Priest-Interpreter: Mr. President, let me thank you again with all my heart.
Opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych: Thank you.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople today arrived in Kyiv to celebrate the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus.
The visit came amid tensions stirred by the Russian Orthodox Church, which considers Ukraine its canonical territory, even though the baptism of Kyivan Rus predates the founding of Moscow.
Patriarch Bartholomew I, accompanied by President Yushchenko, who supports the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, laid wreaths at the monuments to Princess Olha and St. Volodymyr.
It is the first time a Constantinople Patriarch visits Kyiv since 1648, and while Constantinople does not yet recognize the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, President Yushchenko sees the visit as a positive signal.
Kyiv Funicular
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Monument to Princess Olha 
St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery
As always, President Yushchenko positions himself as a believer.
July 26, 11:00 a.m., Sophia Cathedral, Sophiyska Ploshcha and Mykhailivska Ploshcha. For the unity of all Christians of Ukraine! Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, representatives of the worldwide Orthodox faith. State celebrations of the 1020th anniversary of the baptism of Kyivan Rus.
