On Sunday, Volodymyr Lytvyn, Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, took part in the events dedicated to the visit of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.
"In his today´s speech, Patriarch expressed our own thoughts, feelings and aspirations", - shared V.Lytvyn his impressions of the liturgy held in Saint Volodymyr cathedral in Khersones. According to the Head of the Ukrainian Parliament, he was impressed by the appeal "for the ideal, for the search of a unitary way instead of orientation for the search of enemies". "The sincere words of Patriarch have something in common with the words of everyone in the moment when they reflect and make self-judgement. It is very important for the consolidation on the spiritual, orthodox ground. I am convinced that it is and will always be of great significance", - stated the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
V.Lytvyn stated: "Our society lacks faith, culture, tolerance, mutual understanding and support. It is of great necessity nowadays. The world becomes more cruel and global, and only the countries and societies with a spiritual foundation will survive". He marked that Patriarch´s speech was not only didactic, but also understandable and simple. "Thus, he mentioned the people who meet and start to calumniate other people. They believe that they find a common stand and consolidate. However, it is not the foundation for life. We should refuse such practice. We often search for enemies from outside, but fail to appraise ourselves", - stated the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
He is convinced that a unitary church would be a benefit for Ukraine, as a unitary, canonical, orthodox church "could be of great consolidating and spiritual importance in our life". However, V.Lytvyn strongly objects to "the administrative attacks, prescriptive approaches and attempts to establish a State church". It can result in further confrontation and schism. "It should be prohibited for the politicians to interfere in the said matters. A unitary church is the concern of the church members; it is the matter of the congregation and church hierarchs; it is their will. If the principle of political coercion prevails, the consequences will be negative. Everything should be logical and timely, and comply with the orthodox canons», - believes V.Lytvyn.
The Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine answered the question whether the visit of Patriarch Kirill would be beneficial for Ukrainian-Russian relations. Thus, the Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine stated: "I rely on that". "At present, it is necessary to have at least a religious, spiritual foundation for relations, as the politicians are not willing to talk the language of a dialogue and historical responsibility", - stressed V.Lytvyn. "The pastoral visit should be beneficial for the relations between Ukraine and Russia. I only wish that Ukrainian politicians were not trying to press everything possible from the visit on the eve of the presidential campaign. One should not politicize the visit, but listen to it and conduct the dialogue".