A call for unity as Ukraine mourns loss of religious leader
A time for reflection in Ukraine as mourners gather for a memorial service for the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church currently under the Moscow Patriarch is Ukraine's largest religious body. It has often echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric on the Ukraine crisis.
But as Kiev savors a major military success in its fight against the separatists, President Petro Poroshencko calls for unity.
10. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT, PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING:
"It's one more reason for us to be together in these difficult times. And we will pray for the repose of his soul and will ask God to give us strength to tackle challenges our state is going through."
As they mourn the loss of a religious leader the government announced that pro-Russian rebels have pulled out of Slaviansk. It is the most notable military victory in three months of fighting in which more than 200 Ukrainian troops have been killed alon
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church currently under the Moscow Patriarch is Ukraine's largest religious body. It has often echoed Russian President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric on the Ukraine crisis.
But as Kiev savors a major military success in its fight against the separatists, President Petro Poroshencko calls for unity.
10. (SOUNDBITE) (Ukrainian) UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT, PETRO POROSHENKO, SAYING:
"It's one more reason for us to be together in these difficult times. And we will pray for the repose of his soul and will ask God to give us strength to tackle challenges our state is going through."
As they mourn the loss of a religious leader the government announced that pro-Russian rebels have pulled out of Slaviansk. It is the most notable military victory in three months of fighting in which more than 200 Ukrainian troops have been killed alon