The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, met today with the Archbishop of Cyprus, Archbishop George of Cyprus, during his official visit to the island for the ceremonial launch of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Welcoming the Ukrainian President, the Archbishop expressed hope grounded in Orthodox faith, stating:
“We hope that God will help, because it is the faith of the Orthodox that God loves justice. He may test us, but we believe that help will come in time. We are in communication with His Beatitude Epifaniy.”
President Zelensky thanked the Archbishop for the invitation and for the support of the Church of Cyprus, describing it as especially important during a time of war.
“Thank you for remembering Ukraine and the Ukrainian people so warmly,” he said. “We remember your visits to Ukraine and to Hagia Sophia as well. I look forward to welcoming you to Kyiv.”
After the meeting, when asked whether he would accept the Ukrainian President’s invitation to visit Kyiv, the Archbishop replied, “In the future, certainly.” He characterized the meeting as very positive, adding that “we have similar situations — you have occupation, and so do we.”
Commenting on the fact that President Zelensky did not publicly refer to the Turkish occupation of Cyprus, the Archbishop noted: “We raised the issue with him; he did not appear indifferent.”
During his visit, President Zelensky is also expected to attend the official ceremony marking the start of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency and to hold bilateral meetings with the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Earlier, a video circulated on social media showing the arrival of the Ukrainian President at Larnaca Airport as part of his official visit to Cyprus.
Source: philenews.com / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
I met with His Beatitude Georgios, Archbishop of Nova Justiniana and All Cyprus, Primate of the Church of Cyprus.
I informed him about our efforts to achieve peace. For Ukraine and our people now, during the war, humanitarian support is crucial, including medical and food… pic.twitter.com/Cb2mJf35AJ
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 7, 2026
Зустрівся з архієпископом Нової Юстиніани та всього Кіпру, предстоятелем Церкви Кіпру Блаженнішим Георгієм.
Поінформував про наші зусилля для досягнення миру. І також для України, для наших людей зараз, під час війни, важлива гуманітарна підтримка – медична, продовольча допомога… pic.twitter.com/kJVVxgz7N4
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 7, 2026
