Dialogos

Archbishop Accepts Zelenskyy's Invitation to Kyiv

Published January 7, 2026, 14:01
Archbishop Accepts Zelenskyy's Invitation to Kyiv

The Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios, met with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, at the Archbishopric, expressing his support for Ukraine and its people. The Archbishop expressed his hope for divine help for Ukraine, acknowledging the trials it faces, while mentioning his communication with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv. Mr. Zelenskyy thanked him for the warm welcome and remembrance of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of the Archbishop's support, especially during the war, and invited the Archbishop to Kyiv. The meeting discussed the similarities between the situations in Cyprus and Ukraine, with a focus on the occupation of territories and the destruction of churches. Archbishop Georgios stated his desire to visit the Orthodox churches in Ukraine and meet with Mr. Zelenskyy again in Kyiv. When asked about Mr. Zelenskyy's reference to the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the Archbishop replied that he had already informed the Ukrainian President about the issue, without detecting a lack of interest. The discussion mainly focused on the situation in Ukraine, Cyprus, and religious matters. Finally, the Archbishop noted that invitations to the Primates of the churches are made through ecclesiastical channels and that everyone has the right to visit other places.