Poroshenko urges Rada to support the creation of a single local church
The President believes that Ukraine as never before is close to the creation of a local church
The President said that following the decision of the Verkhovna Rada, he would send a corresponding appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Petro Poroshenko stated this on April 17 during a meeting with leaders of parliamentary factions, reports RBC-Ukraine.
"Ukraine as an independent state does not just have the right, but it is simply obliged to create this church. As president, I decided to ask the Ecumenical Patriarch to issue a Tomos to the Ukrainian local autocephalous church and would ask you, dear colleagues, that the Parliament will also support this appeal and do so as soon as possible," Poroshenko said.
He expressed the hope that this decision could be made before the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’ to be celebrated on July 28, 2018.
The President also stated that he had the consent to the creation of a local church of the eparchial bishops of the UOC KP and the UAOC, and demonstrated a document with the corresponding signatures.
Earlier, in September 2017, the Verkhovna Rada approved a historic appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch asking for the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
Read also
UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war
Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.
On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission
Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.
Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over
The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.
Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast
Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.
Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense
Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.