Journalist: Constantinople voices what Ukrainian authorities want to hear
Patriarch Bartholomew and Petro PoroshenkoPatriarch Bartholomew and Petro PoroshenkoPatriarch Bartholomew and Petro PoroshenkoPatriarch Bartholomew and Petro Poroshenko
The Patriarchate of Constantinople voices what the Ukrainian government wants to hear. This opinion was expressed in the programme “Right to Faith” by journalist Yan Taksiur.
“The Patriarchate of Constantinople fits into a political project in Ukraine,” noted the journalist. “He actually voices what the authorities want to hear. Maybe because it has no one but the authorities to count on in our territory? The actions of Constantinople will not be accepted by believers. ”
The guest of the programme, Kirill Molchanov, a political analyst, agreed with this point of view. He added that even in the ranks of the Kiev Patriarchate and the UAOC the personality of Bartholomew does not cause sympathy for everyone.
"He (Patriarch Bartholomew – Ed.) fits into the political model of building a new Ukrainian state, but pursues its own goals," explained the political expert.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew signed an agreement on cooperation in Istanbul. The text of the agreement has not been published either by Kiev or by Constantinople. The UOC said that this document is invalid either in terms of church canons or of secular law.
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.