On May 29, 2026, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Epifaniy, participated in a meeting between the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO), Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, and representatives of the Ukrainian government.
His Beatitude was accompanied by Metropolitan Yevstratiy, Deputy Head of the Department for External Church Relations.
In his address, Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine underscored the importance of partnership and cooperation both among Ukraine’s religious communities within the framework of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, which this year marks the 30th anniversary of its establishment, and between the religious community, the state, and other institutions of civil society.
Metropolitan Epifaniy highlighted concrete examples of such cooperation, including military, healthcare, and penitentiary chaplaincy, as well as efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s voice on the international stage.
Referring to the ongoing Russian invasion, he stressed that the experience of cooperation among religious organizations contributes to the resilience of Ukrainian society. “We are not a state Church, nor do we seek to become one,” he said, adding that the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is nevertheless “a Church that cares about the fate of the Ukrainian state, society, and people.”
Particular attention was given to the challenges posed by Russian religious structures, which the Kremlin uses as instruments of influence and propaganda in its hybrid aggression against Ukraine.
The Metropolitan also warned that Russia’s aggression has a significant religious dimension, accusing Russian religious institutions of being used to promote the ideology of the “Russian World” and justify the war against Ukraine. He described the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate and Patriarch Kirill as “particularly dangerous and shameful” in this regard.
In her remarks, Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko thanked the religious community for its support of military personnel, veterans, their families, and all Ukrainians during this difficult time.
“Since the beginning of the full-scale war, many religious communities have been helping people, engaging in volunteer work, and supporting those who need it most,” she emphasized. “We are united by a common goal – supporting people and bringing a just peace closer for Ukraine.”
The head of government stressed that even under the conditions of a full-scale war, Ukraine remains a state that respects freedom of conscience and every person’s right to practice their faith.
“We value our cooperation with representatives of all denominations and are ready to continue developing this partnership,” Yuliia Svyrydenko concluded.
Following the meeting, proposals will be developed to address a number of issues raised during the discussions.
In addition to the Prime Minister, those representing the state included Deputy Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy and Minister of Culture of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Olena Kovalska, Head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience Viktor Yelenskyi, senior representatives of several ministries, and other government officials.
Source: pomisna
