Speaking about the coming celebration of 1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyivan Rus’ at his today’s press conference, President Victor Yushchenko said that the event is very important for unification of Orthodox Churches’ branches in Ukraine.
He also said that the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I to Ukraine on this occasion will contribute to establishing dialogue between the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. “Welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch is a great honor for our land and our nation”, - added Victor Yushchenko.
President also expressed opinion that Christianity may be an important factor for unification of the Ukrainien nation itself as there is along Christian tradition in the country, which began with the Baptism of Kyivan Rus' by Prince Volodymyr in 988.
According to Victor Yushchenko's opinion accord among churches in Ukraine is vital for country's development. As one of tasks for the state here he named establishment of suitable conditions for religions to develop. “I will be doing all I can… to bring Ukraine to accord among the churches”, - he said, adding also that establishment of a single Orthodox Church in Ukraine is his dream.
