Phanar Exarch: The state wants to ensure the unity of Orthodoxy in Ukraine

Bishop Mikhail (Anishchenko), Exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to Ukraine. Photo: ekai.pl

The Exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to Kyiv, Bishop Mikhail (Anishchenko) of Comana, believes that the Ukrainian authorities are striving to ensure the unity of Orthodoxy in the country with the Phanar’s assistance. He stated this in an interview with ekai.pl.

“Ukrainian society needs the unity of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, the Ukrainian state wants to ensure it, and the Holy Mother Church in Constantinople has always helped in this and can help in the future,” the hierarch said.

He noted that the situation that has evolved in Ukraine at present "impairs the authority of Orthodoxy in Ukrainian society."

At the same time, the representative of the Phanar claims that “everyone must put up with reality – there is a Local Orthodox Church in Ukraine.”

As the UOJ reported, earlier the head of the State Ethnopolitics Viktor Yelensky said that only one Orthodox Church should remain in Ukraine.

Read also

In Volodymyr, MP announces eviction of UOC cathedral community from its chapel

After being expelled from the Dormition Cathedral, the UOC community in Volodymyr has been crammed into a tiny chapel.

Court hearing on eviction of monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra postponed

The judge in the case on evicting monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra went on sick leave an hour before the hearing.

Cherkasy court postpones hearing in Metropolitan Theodosiy case over illness

The court postponed the hearing due to the health condition of the archbishop, who remains under treatment; the issue of preventive measures will be considered on December 26.

Capitol rally gives hope persecution of UOC may subside, analyst says

Bondarenko believes that American activists and Church representatives have once again managed to draw the attention of politicians and the public to the UOC persecution.

Congresswoman urges colleagues not to stay silent about Christians persecution

An American legislator made a statement on social media condemning the silence on cases of pressure on believers and demanding that colleagues openly defend religious freedom.

Patriarch Porfirije supports Serbian students and schoolchildren in Croatia

The Primate of the Serbian Church is one of the largest sponsors of scholarships for Orthodox students in Croatia.