Political expert: “Unification Council” may turn into a big scandal
"Unification Council" may turn into a puff, says Alexei Yakubin
A "Unification Council" can turn into a huge dust-up and a big puff. This opinion was expressed on December 10 by political analyst Alexei Yakubin, reports Golos.Ua.
According to Yakubin, there is a conflict between the organizers of the council and representatives of the Kiev Patriarchate.
“According to the idea of Constantinople, laymen, priests, exarchs, and the President should be present at the Council,” the expert explained. “In turn, the UOC KP considers that only the hierarchs should take part in the unification council. Because in this case, the Kiev Patriarch will have a majority, and will be able to dictate his conditions regarding who will be elected as a leader of such a structure. Filaret himself has not yet withdrawn from the game. Roughly speaking, there is no de facto consensus so far – between the authorities, the UOC KP and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which cracks it down.”
The political expert also recalled that Filaret had put forward several ultimatum demands to the organizers of the Council on the participation of the bishops, and on his own participation in the event.
“Therefore, this council can turn into a scandal and a big puff. Thus, the Council, in addition to attacks on the canonical UOC, may involve attempts from the authorities to exert pressure on the UOC KP, and not only the informational one,” concluded the expert.
As the UOJ reported, in the run-up to the “unification council,” Filaret declared his disagreement with Constantinople regarding the council’s procedure. The Greek media reported that Phanar is dissatisfied with Filaret who is trying to impose his own rules.
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.