All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations Meets with President of Ukraine to Discuss Military Chaplaincy, Demographic Challenges, and International Advocacy

The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations convened with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on April 22, 2025, to address pressing challenges facing Ukrainian society amid the ongoing war. The meeting, held at the Metropolitan House within the National Conservation Area “Saint Sophia of Kyiv,” focused on international advocacy, military chaplaincy development, demographic concerns, and communication with Ukrainians abroad. The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church was represented by Bishop Andriy Khimyak and Fr. Oleksa Petriv, alongside other religious leaders and government officials.

Among attendees were Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Olena Kovalska, and Viktor Yelenskyy, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience. President Zelenskyy extended Easter greetings to Christian representatives and Passover greetings to Jewish leaders, expressing gratitude for the spiritual support provided to the military and Ukrainian society during the conflict.

The President also conveyed condolences over the passing of Pope Francis, acknowledging the Pope’s and the Vatican’s role in efforts to return Ukrainian children and secure the release of prisoners. Church leaders, in turn, thanked the President for his service to the nation and emphasized the need to expand military chaplaincy within the Armed Forces. They highlighted the importance of strengthening clergy capacity to offer spiritual care to Ukrainians displaced by Russian aggression.

Discussions also addressed Ukraine’s demographic situation and the necessity of policies to bolster family support. Participants called for the establishment of a dedicated government body for family policy and the adoption of a national family support program. Valeriy Antoniuk, Chairman of the AUCCRO, stated that Ukrainian families are bearing the brunt of the war, facing loss of loved ones, health, homes, and family separation. He stressed the urgent need for state support for families as the cornerstone of society.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between religious leaders and government officials to address the multifaceted challenges of war. It reflected the shared commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Ukrainian citizens and preserving the nation’s social fabric.

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