President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych attended the Divine Liturgy in honor of Saint Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr, held at the Volodymyr Cathedral in the Chersonesos Taurica National Reserve (Sevastopol), reported the presidential website [president.gov.ua] on July 28.

After the liturgy the president addressed those present with a congratulatory speech. Viktor Yanukovych noted that today is a great day for Ukraine as we celebrate the Baptism of Kyivan Rus. "We are in a place where Prince Volodymyr the Great was baptized," he said.

The president wished those present that all of us, our children, lived in a strong state and were able to build it.

Metropolitan of Simferopol and Crimea Lazar thanked the head of the state for his attendance at the liturgy for the grand celebration. Addressing the audience, he expressed confidence that only with the church and faith can Ukraine come out of the crisis so that we may live in a strong and prosperous country.

"I know that it is impossible to build a strong state without faith. I believe that we will do everything to make Ukraine strong and prosperous," said President Yanukovych speaking to the media in the Chersonesos Taurica National Reserve.