During last weekend’s Orthodox Easter celebrations, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took the opportunity to dress in traditional garb and proclaim that God is on Ukraine’s side and that it cannot lose the war.
In a video clip posted on social media, the president addresses the country’s Christian population and accuses Russia of having “violated all commandments”.
– The world sees it, God knows it … And we believe: God has a chevron with the Ukrainian flag on his shoulder. So with such an ally, life will definitely win over death, he continues.
– Ukrainians kneel only in prayer and never before invaders and occupiers. The bible teaches us to love our close ones. And the present has shown us the true meaning of this.
This Easter, we are united in prayer.
For our warriors of light, who repel demons in all directions. For those who follow one more commandment in life: protect Ukraine. For all civilians who work every day to make the country strong and efficient in overcoming evil forces.
For… pic.twitter.com/D6BeMWycRx
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) May 5, 2024
It is noteworthy in this context that the Ukrainian authorities, under Zelenskyy’s leadership, have taken a hard line against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which they accuse of cooperating with or supporting Russia in various ways, and in recent years have tried in various ways to restrict the Church’s activities.
Conflicts with the Church
According to Russian media, “dozens of criminal cases” have been opened against church priests and bishops, and at least 19 bishops have reportedly been stripped of their Ukrainian citizenship – while church property has been seized and monks evicted from Ukraine’s most famous Orthodox monastery.
The Orthodox Church in Ukraine has historically had a very close relationship with the Russian Church, and according to Zelensky himself has acted as “an agent for Moscow” – something church officials themselves deny.
In recent years, Ukrainian authorities have instead tried to promote a more pro-government alternative Orthodox denomination, hoping to create a “replacement” for the old, more Russian-oriented church.
