"Today is the 416th birth anniversary of Petro Mohyla, the great Ukrainian political, church and educational figure. It is a good opportunity to recall that Ukraine was not only the first country in Eastern Europe to open its own university. In the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries it was the major source and promoter of humanist ideas in the entire continent," Hryshchenko said at a commemorative event in Kyiv on Friday. "Paying the tribute of memory and respect to Petro Mohyla, we should take a deeper look at Ukraine's mission in the region and the continent. Our success on the path of the introduction of European principles and standards in all areas of life will allow Ukraine to regain its important role in Eastern Europe," Hryschenko said.