Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych has congratulated his compatriots on the Day of the Baptism of the Kyivan Rus.
"The well being and prosperity of our state depend not only on economic development today. Deep faith [results in] high morality and spirituality, and guarantees harmony in our society," the press service of the president said, citing a presidential address to the people.
Yanukovych emphasized that "Christianity always was that life-giving power which helped the Ukrainian people to overcome tough times, and the Church defended the ideals of faith, and enriched it with holiness of spirit and piety."
The president added that today "we worship the eternal values of our glorious ancestors and are protecting the sources of the Orthodox faith: Saint Sophia [Cathedral] and Kyiv Pechersk Monastery."
