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Ukrainian president meets with Patriarch Kirill in Crimea

The Russian Orthodox Church head underscored the importance of Baptism Day celebration

Photo ITAR-TASS

Photo ITAR-TASS

KIEV, July 29 (Itar-Tass) —— A meeting of Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and Russian Orthodox Church head Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia took place in Crimea, the presidential press service reported on Saturday.

Yanukovich in the talk with the patriarch noted he highly valued the tradition to celebrate Day of the Baptism of Rus and Day of Memory of Great Duke Vladimir marked on July 28. According to the president, such events as Saturday's liturgy showed the important role of the Church in the society and its influence on people's moral state.

The Russian Orthodox Church head underscored the importance of Baptism Day celebration, which coincided this year with the 20th anniversary of the service of Metropolitan Vladimir of Kiev and All Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church head.

The Ukrainian president and the patriarch of Moscow and all Russia met after the conclusion of the events held during Kirill's three-day Ukrainian visit marking Day of the Baptism of Rus.

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