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Kiev - On July 24, 2009, at the office of Patriarchal Curia of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), a meeting of Patriarch Lubomyr with the prime minister of Ukraine was held. Together with the patriarch, Reverend Bishop Bohdan (Dzyurakh), the head of the Patriarchal Administration, Fr. Oleksa Petriv, and the head of the Secretariat of Major Archbishopric took part in the meeting. During the meeting the most important questions regarding church-state relations were discussed. The premier described the work of the government concerning freedom of religion in Ukraine and expressed willingness to resolve such questions in the future. The head of the UGCC noted the importance of the acceptance of the law Conception of State-Church Relations, which was worked out and concerted by all members of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (AUCCRU). The law would be an integral and all-embracing document which would make possible and regulate the cooperation of the state, the church, and religious organizations. He also praised the unique institution of AUCCRU and thanked the premier for the meeting she had with the members of this organization.

The issue about the restitution of the Church’s property was widely discussed, the decision of which was undertaken by Ukraine at the moment of entering the Council of Europe. In particular, it was acknowledged by both sides that the decision of this question has to take into account interests of both the church and the state, and mainly for it to be based on the principle of justice.

The issue of pastoral chaplaincy in the military of Ukraine was also discussed.

While discussing the legal initiations of the government, the importance was stressed of the comprehensive work of the project for the law (About freedom of conscience and religious organizations) and legal projects, which would give to the churches and religious organizations a right to found secular educational institutions, and other documents, which would give the church more rights to realize its educational aims.

In addition, there was an exchange of opinions regarding the modern social and political situation.

At the end of the meeting, Patriarch Lubomyr thanked the premier for a chance to meet and discuss such important issues as state-church cooperation and invited her to visit the pilgrimage center in Zarvanytsya.

Information Department of the UGCC