KYIV. UOC Primate Greeted Victor Yanukovych on His Election as President of Ukraine

His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kyiv and All Ukraine greeted Victor Fedorovych Yanukovych in the telephone conversation on his election as President of Ukraine on behalf of the hierarchs, clergymen and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.   

The same day the official greeting of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was sent.

On behalf of the Plenitude of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - its episcopate, clergy and faithful we greet You on the election to the responsible post of the president of Ukraine.   
The presidential ministry, to which the Lord has called You is as honorable as it is responsible. The Lord entrusts into Your hands the rule of the state with many-million and multinational population.  The head of the state, as the head of a large family is to take thought for the country on the whole, and for each citizen in particular. That was stated in Your electoral program. The people believed You. Justify the confidence of the people.    

Ukraine is traditionally an orthodox state. We know that You have a clear understanding of the fact. We believe that You understand that without a spiritual component whose basis is the Law of God, the full-fledged development of our country is impossible.  

We invoke God's blessing on You and pray for our God-preserved state, its authorities and armed forces.  May the liturgical words with which the Church prays to the Lord for You and all the state authorities come true:   "And for all those in public service; permit them, Lord, to serve and govern in peace that through the faithful conduct of their duties we may live peaceful and serene lives in all piety and holiness".   


Respectfully,