Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has invited Archbishop Georgios to Kiev, during the meeting they had at the Archdiocese, in the context of the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency.
His Beatitude, welcoming the Ukrainian President, expressed the wish that "God helps" with the problem the country is facing with the Russian invasion and noted, "God loves justice. He may be testing us, but vindication will come. We have communication with His Beatitude Epiphanius."
On his part, Zelenskyy said, "Your Beatitude, thank you for the invitation, for honouring Ukraine and Ukrainians. I remember your visits to Ukraine. Your support is very important, I am waiting for you in Kiev."
In statements after the meeting, Archbishop Georgios said that the situations in Cyprus and Ukraine are similar, with both countries under occupation. “Some churches are being destroyed in our country as well as there, and therefore we exchanged views on this issue, as well as on further strengthening the ties between our churches,” he said.
Asked if he would respond to Zelenskyy's invitation to visit Kiev, the Archbishop responded positively. "Of course, we have an order in which we can visit Orthodox churches and we must include the Orthodox Church of Ukraine," he said.
Asked if he is bothered by the fact that Zelenskyy does not mention the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in his meetings, the Archbishop stated that he himself told him about the Turkish invasion and occupation, and “did not show that he was not interested.” He added that he told him about the churches that are under occupation.
When asked what other issues were discussed during the meeting, the Archbishop of Cyprus reiterated that the issues they focused on were those of Ukraine, Cyprus, and religious issues.
Asked if he has extended an invitation to Bishop Epiphanios, he said that invitations are not extended through Presidents but through ecclesiastical channels, while noting that all leading clergymen have the right to request to visit a place.
(Source: Reporter)
