Vladimir Legoyda: Kiev Patriarchate is a wound on the body of Ukrainian Orthodoxy

Kiev Patriarchate which is not recognized by any of the Orthodox Churches in the world is a wound on the body of the Ukrainian Orthodoxy inflicted at the beginning of the 90-s as a result of human and political ambitions, said Chairman of the Synodal Department for Relations of the ROC with Society and Mass Media Vladimir Legoyda, writes TASS.

In his speech at 17th International School on the problems of global security for young specialists, he explained that a way out of this conflict situation could be only accession of adherents of the Kiev Patriarchate to the UOC.

“This is a single option for them. If they want to come back to the Orthodox family, they have to do it in a canonical way. When temples are taken over by force, it will lead to nothing good.” underscored the religious expert.

According to the Chairman of the Synodal Department, the Church has been doing its best to establish peace in Ukraine. “Whatever splits there could be, they involve parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on both sides of the conflict, yet they should live in peace,” said Legoyda.

He added that peacekeeping is a primary task of the ROC at the international level. “Peacekeeping is a key function of the Church in the issues related to a foreign political and international agenda. Not challenging the principle of separation of the Church from the state, we defend the right of affirming Christian values in the process of adopting crucial decisions both at the national and international level,” declared Legoyda.

Read also

Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris

Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.

Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit

More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.

Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk

Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.

Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death

The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.

Polish Culture Ministry funds restoration of Armenian cathedral in Lviv

An international project supported by Poland aims to preserve the unique artistic heritage of the Armenian Cathedral in Lviv.

Persecuted UOC parish in Rakiv Lis celebrates patronal feast in new church

The faithful marked the fifth anniversary of the consecration of the church built to replace the one that was seized, as well as its patronal feast, in the Volyn village of Rakiv Lis.