Journalist: participants of All-Ukrainian Cross Procession fell prey to ignorance and provocations

The discussion of celebration of the Baptism Day of Kievan Rus this year has to do with “ignorance”, whereas not so long ago central channels used to broadcast films dedicated to this event, round tables and conferences were organized on this subject: “citizens were made aware of it, reminded of the role and meaning of the Rus Baptism in the destiny of our nations.” It was stated on Monday by church and public activist Vasiliy Anisimov, as reported by Interfax.

According to him, “this year all the information was confined to lies, wickedness, insinuations and provocations against All-Ukrainian Cross Procession for prayer, peace, love and unity, organized by the Orthodox Church on the occasion of the holiday,” said the journalist.

He pointed to the fact the provocations against the Procession have been unprecedented and reminded that although the same number of people took part in the Cross procession in Kiev last year, nobody inspected nothing and “the police acticvity was not that noticeable”. 

“We’ve always had a very reverent attitude to cross processions, pilgrimage, and what is related, in the first line, to ancient pan-orthodox sanctities like the Pochaev and Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, honoring a century-long folk tradition to organize processions to these holy places. Historians say that even tsarinas Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, when visiting Kiev, went on foot one third of their journey, from Novgorod-Severskiy to Kiev,” noted Vasiliy Anisimov.

He also believes schismatics should not participate in the Rus Baptism holiday. “This is blasphemy! Denisenko (Kiev patriarch) was excommunicated due to anathematizing. He is not allowed to any Orthodox church. Nevertheless our authorities welcome him at all Christian festivities,” outraged the journalist.

It will be reminded that the Cross Procession this year stretched out for several kilometers with up to 100 thousand believers participating in it.

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