Poroshenko in Roman Cathedral of UGCC: It's important to unite our Churches
Sviatoslav Shevchuk, Petro Poroshenko and Epiphany Dumenko. Photo: Twitter
On September 1, the former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko attended the Greek Catholic service in Rome, dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the St. Sophia Cathedral. After the service, during a short interview, Poroshenko said that it was very important for the UGCC and the OCU to unite.
In particular, Poroshenko noted that “the temple of St. Sophia of Rome is a symbol of independent Ukraine. This golden mosaic is a symbol of the future of Ukraine, and all the people who have gathered here are striving for a free Ukraine.”
In addition, he stated that “today the Greek Catholic Church plays an extremely important role in the unity of the state. And it’s extremely important for me that this is also the unification of our churches - I’m here as an Orthodox, most of the Greek Catholics are here, but we are together because we pray for Ukraine.”
Petro Poroshenko also believes that “the Lord sent us very wise hierarchs – Patriarch Sviatoslav and His Beatitude Epiphany. It’s nice that they communicate, it’s nice that they are negotiating, it’s nice that they coordinate their actions.”
At the same time, Poroshenko emphasized that the Ukrainian Uniates also prayed for the Tomos: “I am deeply convinced that when the Lord sent us Tomos, these people prayed for this, and the Lord heard our prayers.”
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Petro Poroshenko, who calls himself an “Orthodox Ukrainian”, attended the Uniate service, which took place in the village of Stradchi, Lvov region.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.