President meets with representatives of Ukrainian churches, religious organizations

Ahead of the Normandy format summit, President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with representatives of churches and religious organizations of Ukraine, the president’s press service reported on Wednesday evening.

It is noted that the Ukrainian president thanked the hierarchs for their joint address to the inhabitants of the temporarily occupied territories, as well as for the work the Holy Fathers do for Ukrainians. In the context of negotiations in the Normandy format, the Zelensky called for supporting peaceful initiatives of the Ukrainian side.

“We are different, we have different denominations, churches, mosques, synagogues and more. And that's okay, because we have a big, very good, sometimes with difficulties, but our country. I believe in you,” Zelensky said.

The president stressed that after three years of blocking the Normandy format, the opportunity came up to start a dialogue.

Zelensky also stressed that it was important for him to hear advice. "Then I will feel that we are all together," he said.

Representatives of churches and religious organizations said they were praying for peace in Ukraine and wished the president strength, patience and blessing of God in the Normandy format talks.

In addition, special attention was paid to the inadmissibility of persecution of believers of different denominations in the occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea, as well as court decisions on the elimination of religious buildings.