KIEV, Ukraine, JUNE 24, 2001 (Zenit.org).- Here is the text of a prayer recited Saturday by John Paul II at the Greek-Catholic Church of St. Nicholas, where he stopped en route to the Apostolic Nunciature.
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O Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Zarvaniza, I thank you for the gift of my visit to the Kyjivan Rus' from where the light of the Gospel spread through this whole region. Here before your miraculous icon, kept in this church of Saint Nicholas, I entrust to you, Mother of God and Mother of the Church, my apostolic journey to Ukraine. Holy Mother of God, spread your maternal mantle over all Christians and over all people of good will who live in this great nation. Lead them to your Son, Jesus, who is for everyone the way, the truth and the life.
[Original text: Ukrainian; translation by Vatican]
Zenit - The World Seen From Rome
24. juni 2001