KYIV. His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr addressed participants of the conference “Oncology: past, present and future”, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of foundation of the Kyiv National Cancer Institute

Address by His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr to participants of the conference "Oncology: past, present and future", dedicated to the 90^th anniversary of foundation of the Kyiv National Cancer Institute

I heartily greet the director of the National Cancer Institute, its co-workers and the conference participants on the 90^th anniversary of foundation of this establishment.     

This institute is known as an establishment that has made a considerable contribution into development of the native and world medical science in the field of oncology.   It is a chief research institution that defined to a high extent the strategy of the state oncology service.  For his many-year history the institute made significant contribution to the development of the national and world science in the field of oncology.

The matter of cancer research and treatment is highly topical, important and responsible.   

The Orthodox Church holds in respect the medical work which is grounded on respect to man, relief of sufferings and healing of a patient. Many illnesses are considered incurable, become a source of suffering and death. Facing such illness, man should rest all his hope in the grace-filled mercy of God and in such a spirit to do his best for recovery.   

However one should remember that physical and spiritual condition is closely related to each other, therefore one should take care of the soul that requires healing from spiritual illnesses. The view of a medical worker should be focused on the personality of the patient, with understanding of his whole spiritual-physical nature.   

We are pleased to note that at the National Cancer Institute there is the kind of spiritual atmosphere mentioned regarding man and his healing, to which testifies the fact that there is an orthodox church in the territory of the institute, whose activity in cooperation with the institute's coworkers enables people to heal their two-part nature. We hope that this fruitful cooperation will deepen and facilitate the recovery of those who needs it and inspire the institute's coworkers for more fruitful cooperation in their service to neighbor.

I wish the organizers and participants of the international conference fruitful work, creative achievements and I invoke God's blessing upon all of you.   
 

Respectfully,


† Volodymyr,
Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine,
Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church