In the Sofia Kyivska National Reserve, President Viktor Yushchenko participated in a ceremony of handing over Easter Flame to representatives of Ukrainian churches and Ukrainian community, UKRINFORM correspondent reported. The Head of State was first to light one of 32 candles of the Holy Fire which was delivered from Jerusalem and addressed the ceremony participants.
In his speech, President Yushchenko asked spiritual energy and happy fortune for entire Ukrainian nation. "Let Easter festival fill our hearts with pride of greatness of our native land, with happiness about rejuvenation of Ukrainian nation, about the acquired liberty and statehood. Let the Flame of Grace from the Holy Sepulchre protect our families, homes and all Ukraine", - Viktor Yushchenko told the ceremony.
Participating in the event were people's deputies, members of the Cabinet, their families, leadership of the Kyiv City State Administration, representatives of Ukrainian regions.
After the event President also visited festive liturgies in churches of four Orthodox confessions: St Volodymyr's Cathedral (Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Kyiv Patriarchate), Vasyl's the Great Church (Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church), Andriyvska Church (Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church) and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra (Ukrainian Orthodox Church).
Announcement of events
