Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said he was not going to give preference to any one Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
In a meeting with Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and all Russia on Monday, Yushchenko said, “We understand under what circumstances the Ukrainian church exists today: there are many confessions, they have their own histories, and often very complex ones.”
“I am a believer, and I will never show my supporters which church they should go to. It’s not up to me do decide. We will not do things that are alien to secular authorities,” the president said.
In his words, “There has been a tradition in Ukraine since 2000: the president and the prime minister visit all confessions starting midnight on all major Orthodox holidays, thus showing their tolerance towards religious life.”
“This will be the basis of my policy,” the president added.