In the course of the working trip to Lviv region, the President took part in the ceremony of opening the monument of Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his birth. The Head of State and his wife Maryna joined the great number of believers on St. Jura’s Square in Lviv.

In his speech, the President thanked Pope Francis for making an important step in the process of beatification of the Metropolitan and recognizing his heroic virtues on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of his birth.

“The course of history cannot be changed. Empires fall apart sooner or later, but the power of human spirit, the power of truth and the power of faith will live forever. In a time of terror against Church and people, Metropolitan Andrey demonstrated an example of fearless and unwavering following of Christ. He proved that idols always fall, but Faith, Hope and Love remain with us. And God remains with us forever as well,” the President noted.

The President emphasizes that Ukrainians restored historical justice having opened the given monument. “Such people are valuable for the nation and constitute its golden reserve,” the President said.

The Head of State reminded that during the lifetime of Metropolitan Andrey, Ukraine had been divided between neighbors and hadn’t de jure appeared yet. However, Sheptytsky predicted that due to prayers, Ukraine will become a powerful state where peace, welfare, happiness, high culture and mutual love will prevail.

“I am confident that the Ukrainian nation will overcome all the challenges,” Petro Poroshenko noted.

The President congratulated the attendees on the Day of Christianization of Kievan Rus’ – Ukraine and recalled Volodymyr the Great, who ended his earthly life 1000 years ago. “This date is the evidence of ancient and strong roots of the Ukrainian European civilization,” the Head of State emphasized.