01.09.2008 - Kyiv- Political leaders including Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko and representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations took part in the prayer for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people that was held on 24 August 2008 in St. Sophia's Cathedral in Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day. The prayers began with a litany of intentions celebrated by ministers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate.

Also participating in the ceremony were representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate, Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical-Pentecostals, Armenian Apostolic Church, the chief rabbi of Ukraine, and the Muslims of Ukraine.

During the speeches of the religious leaders, Yushchenko and his family, the premier, head of Parliament, and other political leaders lit candles before the cathedral's icon-screen.

During his speech later that day, Yushchenko said: "For the first time in hundreds of years we have renewed the processes for the spiritual uniting of our people and the creation of its national [pomisna] church. We will travel this historic path with wisdom and in harmony... This is already a reality. It is correct, for it renews the whole fullness of our historical and national justice... No one will ever decide for us in what language to communicate and in what church to pray. No one will ever show us which way to choose."

Yushchenko in 2005 started the tradition of beginning the celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day with a joint prayer service for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/news/article;24299/