Metropolitan Hilarion to discuss the situation in Ukraine with Pope Francis
митрополит Волоколамский Иларион
The head of the DECR of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk intends on Friday to discuss with Pope Francis the church situation in Ukraine and the complication of relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, reports the TASS news agency.
“Yes, I am going to talk about this with the Pope,” the ROC hierarch replied to a journalist’s question. “We do not expect the Pope to intervene in this situation, somehow trying to resolve it. But I will inform him of the decision taken by our Synod.”
According to the news agency, on Thursday, Metropolitan Hilarion spoke at the Synod of Catholic Bishops in the Vatican on the topic of youth. The Vatican explained that the ROC hierarch took part in the meeting as a "representative of the fraternal Church." In the evening, in one of the central basilicas of Rome – the Holy Apostles’ – a concert of the Academic Great Choir "Masters of Choral Singing" took place, in which the compositions of the metropolitan were performed.
Earlier, a diplomatic source in the Vatican said that the Holy See "categorically does not interfere in the affairs of Orthodoxy" and assumed that "the Holy See would not come into contact with the Church recognized by [Patriarch of Constantinople] Bartholomew".
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
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.