РНБОУ National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Secretary of the NSDC of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov congratulated Kyiv Patriarch and Patriarch of All Rus-Ukraine Filaret on his anniversary

There are people - worlds, people - epochs, people - giants. Kyiv Patriarch and Patriarch of All Rus-Ukraine Filaret is such a man, and he is ninety years old today!

Ninety years, of which almost seventy are full of struggles and service to Ukraine for the purpose of cultivating moral principles, mutual respect and understanding, promoting the spread of Christian values of good and justice in our country.

For the sake of his country, he bore humiliations and "anathemas", and was ready to give his life! For him, the true Faith and Love for Ukraine have been the most vital, illuminating the path from the very beginning to the achievement of the great goal of creating an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Filaret is a man who is associated with the independence of Ukraine, the dignity and struggle of the Ukrainian people, which will end with our mutual victory! May God bless and sanctify Your life and Your victorious path!