Dear compatriots!

 

Let me congratulate you on the occasion of holiday, significant for all of us – the Day of the Christianization of Rus’-Ukraine.

1026 years ago Prince Volodymyr has baptized our ancestors, made Christianity the national religion, and because of that entered our history and our consciousness as the Great and Equal-to-apostles.

The prophecy of St. Andrew the First-called Apostle was fulfilled: “The grace of God will shine at these mountains, and it will be a great city, and God will raise up many churches here".

St. Sophia Cathedral of Kyiv and St. George Cathedral of Lviv, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Assumption Monastery of the Caves in Bakhchysarai, numerous temples of ancient Chernihiv, Donetsk-Sviatohirsk Holy Assumption Lavra are the symbols of deep faith of Ukrainians in the Risen Christ.

From the time of Volodymyr's Christianization Ukraine is an essential part of Christian European civilization. But Volodymyr has chosen for us not only a religion, but also a political vector. Yet Volodymyr's son, Yaroslav the Wise, was named the father-in-law of Europe, due to the fast integration of our country into the European space.

Golden-Domed Kyiv became the heart of our country. The majestic bells and high crosses of its temples inspired our ancestors to protect the independence of the country. And now they inspire us.

Let’s recall those who are defending the state, who is strengthening Volodymyr’s golden trident on Ukrainian Donbass, and pray for many years of life for them. May God watch over them and strengthen them.

We must also recall now all those who died for you and me, for Ukraine. And pray for the souls of fallen heroes, and for the souls of innocent civilians, whose earthly life has ended prematurely at the fault of militants and terrorists.

May the Lord through the prayers of St. Volodymyr The Baptist Equal-to-apostles save Ukraine and us all.

 

Glory to Jesus!

Glory to Ukraine!

 

Petro POROSHENKO