Expert: Zelensky returned to Poroshenko's stance on UOC under US pressure
Vladimir Zelensky's meeting with the head of Phanar, 16.10.20. Photo: ec-patr.org
Despite the fact that the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew will exacerbate the church schism in Ukraine, Vladimir Zelensky invited him to Ukraine under pressure from the US Embassy, which is determined to continue ousting the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Ukrainian political expert and political strategist Mikhail Pogrebinsky said in a comment for the UOJ.
In his opinion, during the elections and immediately after being elected President, Zelensky declared non-interference in the church issue, thus distancing himself from the aggressive policy of Petro Poroshenko towards the UOC. “But as he kept falling deeper and deeper under the control of the American embassy, it was made clear to him that he needed to move on with a view to ousting the canonical Church,” Pogrebinsky said. “Under pressure from the other side, he changed his position and invited Bartholomew."
As reported by the UOJ, Pogrebinsky doubts that the head of the Vatican will accept an invitation to Ukraine from Zelensky, but believes that Greek Catholics will seek the maximum benefit from it.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.