President Stresses Importance of Church-State Cooperation in Organizing Events to Celebrate Anniversary of Baptism of Rus

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych hopes for close cooperation of all the Christian churches, state institutions and government bodies in organizing celebratory events to mark the 1025th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus, the presidential press service reported.

“I am counting on a church-state partnership in the center and at the local level, mutual respect and interaction,” the president said during a meeting with the members of the Organizing Committee for the preparation and celebration of the 1025th anniversary.

The president said that it is necessary to put in good order territories and religious objects associated with history and the Christian tradition. Special attention should be paid to the Christian cultural heritage, the monuments of architecture, art, sculpture, written language. “All this should be diligently planned in a timely manner,” said President Yanukovych.

The president pointed to the importance of conferences and other events on the history, cultural heritage, questions of the church-state dialogue with the participation of scholars and experts.

“Special attention should be paid to prevent threats or even attempts to influence the celebratory events by any sides,” said the president.