16 September 2021
Hilarion, Archbishop of Rivne and Ostroh attended a press conference at the Faculty of Journalism. Even before the traditional part with questions and answers, the guest expressed his sincere gratitude for the opportunity to meet and stressed that without a single church there will never be a strong and independent Ukraine.
The students started with questions about Hilarion's family, to which they received an open story about the father's desire to dedicate his son to theology in his own footsteps. However, the young man realized that he wanted to continue his father's business only after a few years. Hilarion's path began with this realization. The issues of the church name and the peculiarities of its adoption for the clergy were also touched upon in detail.
The topic of superstition became especially interesting for the audience and the position of Hilarion responded, noting "where there is superstition - there is no faith" and advised to find faith in yourself and turn to it. The question of the average age of the faithful did not give the students peace of mind either. Hilarion noted that now people go to church from an early age with their families and until old age. When it came to the question of luxury in temples, the guest simply remarked that luxurious temples are necessary for the believers themselves and affirm firm faith, because it is best given to God.
They could not pass by the topical issue of awarding Vasyl Chervonii the title of Hero of Ukraine and the launch of the mobile application "My Church". Hilarion has opened the veil of secrecy - the assignment has entered the final stage and all the initiators hope for a quick and positive solution. As for the mobile app, it will certainly not replace a visit to the church and a conversation with the priest. But the functionality will allow you to centrally track the news of the dioceses and follow the detailed church calendar.
The girls present were interested in the appearance of the woman in the church and the position of the church on this issue. The archbishop with a smile allowed women to enter the temples without a handkerchief, but noted that a decent appearance is mandatory.
At the end of the meeting, the Rector of the University, Doctor of Sciences, Professor Vitalii Demianchuk presented Hilarion, Archbishop of Rivne and Ostroh, with a diploma for assistance in the spiritual education of student youth on the principles of Christian morality and Ukrainian patriotism. Vitalii Anatoliiovych expressed his sincere gratitude for the visit and sincere prayer, and also noted that Academician Stepan Demianchuk IUEH is always glad to see such friends and like-minded people.
It will be recalled that this is not Hilarion's first visit to the Student News Agency. He was welcomed at the Faculty of Journalism in 2018.