Ukrainian, Australian leaders pray at cathedral

December 12, 2014

Prime Minister Tony Abbott of Australia and President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine visited Melbourne’s Ukrainian Catholic cathedral and prayed for the victims of a Malaysia Airlines flight that was shot down over Ukrainian territory in July.

“Israel aside, there would hardly be a country on earth so subject to existential threat as Ukraine is,” said Abbott. “If the freedom of one country is diminished, the freedom of all is diminished.”

“I should acknowledge the part that faith has played in our culture and in our public life, in the culture and public life of civilized countries,” he added. “Our democracy is inspired by the Gospel insight that every human being is born with equal rights and dignity in the eyes of God.”

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Remarks at ecumenical church service, Melbourne (Prime Minister)
• Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko arrived in Australia for a state visit (Ukrainian Catholic Church in Australia)
• President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Australia Took Part in the Prayer in Melbourne Greek Catholic Cathedral in Australia (RISU)
• Ukraine president Petro Poroshenko arrives in Australia for two-day visit (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
• Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 (Wikipedia)