V.M. Lytvyn, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, held the meeting with Primate of the Orthodox Church in Russia, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill.
At the beginning of the meeting V. Lytvyn declared that for the Verkhovna Rada and him personally the visit of Primate has the symbolic meaning as it is on the eve of the St. Volodymyr´s Day, Baptizer of Rus. According to the Head of the Parliament this vicarial visit "strengthens the spirit of the people and infuses citizens with confidence", as "today more than ever we need hope, it is necessary to reveal its significance and meaning of church under the complicated present conditions."
V. Lytvyn also emphasised that the democratic liberties and undeviating observance of the moral norms are the guarantee of the stable development of the society.
In his turn, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia declared that with the Verkhovna Rada "are connected great changes in the life of Ukraine", as the Parliament, according to his words, adopts the laws the citizens are supposed to observe. "It is essential to combine spirituality with legislative activity. The legislative bodies of all countries face the task to provide the legislation in such a way that protect all the values God inserted in human being", the Patriarch declared.
The Head of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine agreed that the laws are supposed to combine "mentality and spirituality."
Conversation partners expressed thought on the necessity of the further development of the relations among Ukrainian, Russian and Belarus nations that possess common historical roots and spiritual basis.
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia expressed hope that his visits "will facilitate the union of people." "I deem myself an Ambassador of Holy Rus and I will make everything possible to develop the relations between Russia, Ukraine and Belarus", he declared.
Primate of the Orthodox Church in Russia expressed gratitude to V. Lytvyn for ‘the public position, long-suffering and courage" and wished "health, well being and God wisdom" to all the People´s Deputies of Ukraine for the flourishing of Ukraine and sent his greetings and blessing.
Asked by the journalists after the completion of the meeting, V. Lytvyn reminded that Ukraine has a lot of confessions though in general it is Orthodox country. Though he declared that the division in Orthodox "caused non-traditional movements and churches, beliefs in our state that has no positive impact on the society."
The Head of the Parliament emphasised that the problem of the unification of the churches "is the matter of the believers and hierarchs of the churches" and expressed the thought that the state "shall never assume this mission." "It is neither the matter of state, nor of authorities", he declared.