Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has addressed the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate on the election of a new Primate on Wednesday, Aug. 13 instead of Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine who died on July 5.
Poroshenko’s address published on his Web site on Wednesday says that a new head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is to be elected “at the most difficult period in modern Ukraine.”
“In these circumstances, the Church’s consolidating mission in society and its powerful educative and patriotic potential are extremely important,” Poroshenko said.
The president also highly praised efforts of religious organizations focused on reconciliation and spiritual and humanitarian support for compatriots and vowed his willingness to continue cooperation.
Poroshenko wished the Council of Bishops productive work, wisdom, and peace.
It was reported earlier that the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is expected to elect a new Primate on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
