Prime Minister and President of Ukraine Address Synod of Bishops of Ukrainian Orthodox Church Ahead of Election of New Metropolitan

The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko wished the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarcahte (UOC-MP) effective work and wisdom and reminded them about the consolidating mission of the Church in society, its powerful patriotic and educational potential.

"You have a special responsibility - to elect the most worthy bishop of the ancient Kyivan cathedra, who will continue the righteous works of the late Metropolitan Volodymyr," Poroshenko said in his address.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk called on the bishops of the UOC-MP to elect a new metropolitan, who wishes for an independent Ukraine and one united Orthodox Church.

Yatsenyuk also remind them of the great responsibility that currently rests with the Сhurch leaders: sacrifice, patriotism, and the need for decisive action for the consolidation of society, the liberation of our lands from invaders and the return if peace to Ukrainians.

"Your Council is held at a time when the Ukrainian people are rising up in defense of their homeland against external aggression and terrorist attacks, when every day our soldiers die on the battlefield, the best sons and daughters of Ukraine. These days, society turns to the church for spiritual support, for strengthen and hope, for a blessing to resist the enemy."