Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and all Ukraine took part in a meeting of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations with Volodymyr Zelensky on April 14, 2026, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between the state and religious communities during the ongoing challenges facing the country.
On the first day after Easter, the President extended greetings for the Feast of the Resurrection and expressed gratitude for the support that Churches and religious organizations continue to offer to Ukrainian soldiers and the wider population in a time of hardship.
Metropolitan Epifaniy underlined that the state and religious institutions act as partners working for the benefit of society, particularly during the trials brought about by war. He explained that their cooperation spans multiple areas, including humanitarian aid, military chaplaincy, international advocacy, and broader social support, while also acknowledging that certain issues arise in this collaboration which require joint solutions.
According to him, Churches and religious organizations, despite their differences, remain united in their efforts to resist what he described as hybrid aggression from the Russian Federation. He added that this aggression is, in part, supported by the Russian Church and that Russia seeks to use religious structures for its own purposes, including within Ukraine. Nevertheless, he stressed that through joint efforts, progress is being made, particularly in strengthening what he described as the country’s spiritual security.
Concluding his message, Metropolitan Epifaniy expressed hope that the Risen Christ would strengthen everyone in faith, hope, and love, and grant Ukraine a just peace and victory.
