President Volodymyr Zelensky has called Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to express gratitude for praying for Ukraine. Also, the head of state spoke of the crimes committed by Russian aggressors.
That’s according to the president’s tweet.
“On the Day of Christianization of Kyivan Rus’ – Ukraine & the Day of Ukrainian Statehood, talked with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Thanked for prayers for Ukraine, wishes of victory & peace. Told about the terrible crimes of the aggressor, the destruction of almost 200 temples,” the tweet reads.
The celebration of the Day of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine was introduced by decree of the President of Ukraine of March 25, 2008. The date for the holiday was assigned for July 28, the day Ukrainians honor the memory of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Prince Volodymyr. It was during Prince Volodymyr’s reign that Christianity became a state religion in Kyivan Rus.
Last year, during the celebrations on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to introduce a new state holiday, which would be celebrated on the day of the baptism of Kyivan Rus-Ukraine. The head of state then signed the corresponding decree introducing Statehood Day.
