Poroshenko: A spiritual bond of UOC with Moscow Church is non-canonical

President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko

The dependence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on the Moscow Patriarchate is non-canonical and unnatural. This was stated by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on August 24 during his speech at the parade on the occasion of Independence Day in Kiev.

"Let our message today reach Constantinople, Moscow, and the Vatican," the President said. "We are fully determined to put an end to the unnatural and non-canonical liaison of an essential part of our Orthodox community with the Russian Church."

According to Petro Poroshenko, Baptism came to us from Constantinople and namely from Kiev got spread through the expanses of Eastern Europe.

"Ukrainian Christianity has more than a thousand-year history, its own theological, liturgical and ecclesiastical tradition," the President said. "And now that we have restored and defended the independence of Ukraine, there is every reason to have a Local Orthodox Church of Ukraine among other Local Orthodox Churches, equal to them."

Previously, Peter Poroshenko said that Ukraine is the mother of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Read also

Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises

The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.

Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF

A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.

OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians

Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.

UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village

In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.

Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years

The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.

70 men from Ukraine and Europe complete UOC altar-server training course

The “Guardians of the Altar” project was organized by the Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy of the UOC.