At the United States Capitol Complex in Washington, D.C., during the international interfaith conference “United in Liberty: The Rise of Spiritual Diplomats,” led by Pastor Mark Burns, we had the distinguished honor of speaking with internationally acclaimed opera soprano Maria Maksakova.
A representative of the renowned Maksakov artistic dynasty, Maria Maksakova has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including Vienna, Tokyo, London, and Baden-Baden. Her three solo albums were released by Universal Music Group, the world’s largest music company.
Opening the conference with a powerful performance of the National Anthem, Maria reflects on what spiritual diplomacy means to her personally - emphasizing courage, moral responsibility, and the fundamental importance of freedom of speech.
In this thoughtful and heartfelt conversation, she shares:
• Why freedom of speech is central to spiritual courage
• The importance of bravery in standing for truth
• Her perspective as an artist living in Ukraine during wartime
• The responsibility of faith and civic communities to work together for peace
• Why peace requires constant effort, vigilance, and moral clarity
Drawing from her lived experience in Ukraine, Maria speaks about resilience, gratitude toward those defending their country, and the unique global moment she believes calls for courageous dialogue and action.
Her message is clear:
Peace is not passive. It is achieved and preserved through truth, courage, faith, and unity.
This interview is part of a global dialogue bringing together artists, faith leaders, policymakers, and civic voices committed to advancing freedom, dignity, and peace worldwide.
For more information about the conference, visit the official website:
https://interfaithconf.org/
More information on the Spiritual Diplomats initiative:
https://www.spiritualdiplomats.org/
ALLATRA International Public Movement Official Website:
https://allatra.org/