Arseniy Yatsenyuk congratulates Patriarch Filaret on the anniversary of enthronement

Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk congratulated the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate, the Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus’ - Ukraine Filaret on the anniversary of his enthronement.

Arseniy Yatsenyuk assessed the contribution made by the Patriarch in the development of the Church and the Ukrainian state, "what was made by You and the Church to make Ukraine the country with capital letter and Ukrainians feel themselves the citizens of a European country is much valued today and will be evaluated by historians".

He wished the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate "more strength, more confidence, more prayers for Ukraine", "You pray and we gain strength and confidence that we are doing the right thing".

The Patriarch emphasized that his Church fully supports the endeavours of the Government of Ukraine in strengthening the defence capability of the country, the development of its economic potential, liberation from Russian gas dependence. Moreover, Patriarch Filaret praised highly the Government's actions directed to the state border development and implementation of the Wall project, as well as the consistency in the fight against corruption. The Patriarch assured of the Church’s strong support of this fight and informed the Synod had just decided to deny the holy communion of those who is involved in bribery.

Apart from that, the Patriarch also expressed a common position of the Episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate on the parliamentary elections: the Church prays for the fair and transparent election campaign and encourages to vote for those who defend Ukraine, its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, contributes with deeds into the development and prosperity of their Motherland.