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

Chernivtsi hierarch to cathedral defenders: A deep bow and blessing to you

Metropolitan Meletiy, who was injured during the seizure attempt, came out to the faithful and thanked them for their steadfastness and loyalty.

OCU “bishop” calls subordinates to join in seizure of Chernivtsi Cathedral

Feognost called the attempted seizure of the UOC’s Holy Spirit Cathedral a historic event.