All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations Representatives Meet with President of Ukraine
On December 23, 2024, representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRO) met with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss pressing issues of national security, support for Ukrainian communities abroad, and cooperation with state institutions during the ongoing war.
President Zelensky thanked the religious leaders for their unwavering support: “Thank you for being with the Ukrainian people, supporting them, and praying for all of us. You pray daily for our soldiers: for those at the front, those wounded, and those who, unfortunately, have fallen, as well as for civilians who work, live, and study in Ukraine.”
He also expressed gratitude to chaplains for supporting defenders at the front and voiced his hope for the continued development of military chaplaincy.
The President underscored the critical role of the AUCCRO in Ukraine’s advocacy efforts abroad, particularly as Russia seeks to use religious institutions to influence Ukrainians displaced by the war.
The Father and Head of the UGCC, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, thanked the President for his cooperation and highlighted the importance of partnerships between religious organizations and state institutions.
“Such personal meetings are crucial because they allow us to ‘synchronize our watches’ and work together—across different churches, denominations, and state structures—to defend Ukraine and serve our people,” said His Beatitude.
He also thanked the President for recognizing the AUCCRO’s contribution to Ukraine’s victory plan, emphasizing its pivotal role as a state partner. He noted that various denominations have set aside narrow corporate interests in favor of national unity.
“We are all diverse—different denominations, even different religions—but we have learned to work together for the common good. This partnership is the key to victory,” said the Head of the UGCC.
His Beatitude Sviatoslav also stressed the vital role of the Ukrainian diaspora as part of the national front abroad. He highlighted the Church’s advocacy efforts among foreign communities: “In every place where our congregations exist, alongside our priests and bishops, we advocate for Ukraine.”
He called for measures to ensure that Ukrainians registered with consulates abroad can obtain military registration documents without being categorized as “evaders.” Additionally, he emphasized the need for closer collaboration with diplomatic missions and government agencies to strengthen ties between Ukrainians and their homeland, offering them support during the war.
“No one will defend Ukraine except us. And no one will rebuild it after the war except us,” he said.
In closing, His Beatitude expressed hope for continued cooperation between churches and the state to achieve victory and rebuild the country. He wished President Zelensky a merry Christmas and a happy New Year, saying: “May the Lord God bless you with the strength to serve for the good of Ukraine and its people.”
