MP DECR: Phanar head wasn't invited to Baptism of Rus Feast because of UOC
Head of the MP DECR, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev). Photo: RIA Novosti
The Ukrainian authorities did not invite Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to the church holiday in honor of the Baptism of Rus on July 28, as he would have thus seen the traditional religious procession in Kyiv of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which clearly demonstrates which denomination is the most numerous in the country. This was stated in an interview with RIA Novosti by the head of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP DECR), Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) of Volokolamsk.
“On the Day of the Baptism of Rus, the canonical Church traditionally holds a grand cross procession in Kyiv, which unites hundreds of thousands of believers and clearly demonstrates what no fictitious opinion poll can refute: the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church is still the largest confession in Ukraine,” the Metropolitan said. He believes that it is for this reason that the head of Phanar was invited to a public holiday instead – the Independence Day of Ukraine, at which he can see “a more attractive picture”.
As the UOJ reported, the head of Phanar confirmed his arrival in Ukraine to “Servants of the People”.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.