Zelensky thanks UCCRO members for Ukraine's "advocacy" abroad

Zelensky's meeting with UCCRO members. Photo: Presidential Office website

On December 23, 2024, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) at the Kyiv Sophia Cathedral complex. He extended his greetings for Hanukkah and Christmas, according to the Presidential Office website.

The President emphasized that the "role of UCCRO is important for Ukraine's advocacy in the world." He stated, "After all, the Russian Federation is trying to use its church to influence the views of Ukrainians who have gone abroad because of the war," without specifying which Church he was referring to.

In response, the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, assured Zelensky that UCCRO members are "convey the truth about Ukraine abroad and fight Russian propaganda." He also expressed gratitude to the President for the adoption of the law banning the UOC, referring to it as the "law on the protection of spiritual independence."

"Unfortunately, the enemy is quite active in the informational space and is particularly attempting abroad to sow discord and spread falsehoods about Ukraine, our people, and the state of affairs in our country, misleading the international community. Therefore, bearing witness to the truth abroad must also become one of our priorities," Dumenko said.

The head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, expressed gratitude to Zelensky on behalf of the attendees for mentioning UCCRO in the President's Internal Resilience Plan. He also highlighted that members of the Council of Churches "have learned to work together for the common good, rejecting narrow corporate interests in favor of national priorities."

"We are all different, from different confessions, even different religions, but we have learned to work together for the common good. This partnership is the key to victory," the head of the UGCC assured.

The meeting was facilitated by the State Ethnopolitics Service, led by Viktor Yelensky.

Earlier, UOJ reported that Zelensky stated Ukrainian believers have high hopes for Trump.

Read also

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.

UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention

Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.

Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda

The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.

Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds

A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.