Zelensky informs Phanar head about strengthening "spiritual independence"
Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo: Screenshot from video ZelenskyyUa
President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, informing him about the recently passed law aimed at "strengthening our spiritual independence." Zelensky mentioned this in his evening address on August 21.
"It is very important that we have a shared understanding of the unifying potential for Ukrainian Orthodoxy that this newly adopted law provides. Everything necessary is in place – sufficient to truly eliminate dependence on Moscow and to add unity to Ukraine," he stated.
As previously reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, delegates from Patriarch Bartholomew have arrived in Ukraine.
Read also
EP reported severe beating of UOC priests by militants in Chernivtsi
Louis Lazarus emphasized that the persecution of believers in Chernivtsi infringes on the interests of the Romanian minority in Ukraine.
New footage showing OCU militants beating Chernivtsi priests published
A group of militants assaulted three clergymen of the UOC near the fence of the Holy Spirit Cathedral.
Republican youth leader: UOC persecution weakens Ukraine in wartime
Catherine Whiteford emphasized that UOC persecution by the authorities is clearly destroying the country from within and weakening it in wartime.
OCU: The cathedral clash was about Ukraine's rights in fighting Russia
Bodoriak claimed that the militants who beat UOC priests in the Chernivtsi cathedral are not parishioners of the OCU.
Chernivtsi OCU “bishop”: Russian Church barred us from entering cathedral
Bodoriak asserted that the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi belongs to the OCU.
Patriarch Bartholomew: I look forward to welcoming Pope Leo to the Phanar
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed hope that under the new Pope, relations with the Catholic Church would continue to grow in truth and love.