We are creating another pillar of Ukrainian independence - President on the founding of the Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church

"The Tomos of Autocephaly is another Act of Declaration of Ukraine's Independence. And that's why it's so important. Not only for the future or present believers of this church. This is important for every Ukrainian. Because we are creating another pillar of Ukrainian independence," President Poroshenko said during the participation in the solemn meeting on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the foundation of the Prosvita Society during the working trip to Lviv region.

The Head of State emphasizes that everyone understands that autocephaly is a state issue, a question of our independence. "In the end, this is a question of our national security. It is at this angle that we should consider other aspects of humanitarian policy, which remove us from the empire, from the colonial past, which strengthen the national identity," he said.

Petro Poroshenko said that only a week separates Ukraine and Ukrainians from the Unity Council, which will create the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church recognized by the world Orthodoxy and independent from Moscow.

He noted that he, as President, and the state made their part. "Perhaps even more than they could," Petro Poroshenko added, noting that his All-Holiness Bartholomew had also done his job. "Perhaps even more than he could, given the enormous pressure and threats that are coming from Moscow today," he said.

The Head of State reminded that after the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate had made a decision to provide autocephaly to the Ukrainian church, Russia's Security Council had been immediately convened for one issue - threat to the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine. "I am convinced that Ukrainians will decided for themselves without pointing fingers from Moscow, the president of Russia and Kirill," Petro Poroshenko emphasized. According to him, it is unacceptable for Ukrainians when prayers for Russian authorities, Russian soldiers who kill Ukrainians every day take place in temples. "This is impossible to accept and we will not accept that," he said.