ROC: Division of the Orthodox in Ukraine is a project of special services

Epifaniy Dumenko and the head of the US State Department Michael Pompeo. Photo: pomisna.info
Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, deputy chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the ROC, said that the division of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine is a project of the special services, reports RIA Novosti.
According to the priest, "the division between Orthodox Christians in Ukraine, between them and their Russian co-religionists, was undoubtedly carried out according to a project actively supported by political circles and special services of a number of Western states."
Nevertheless, says Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, “even in the current conditions, the Church continues its peacemaking and unifying ministry, preserves the unity of our common Eastern Slavic Orthodox civilization, relying not on political tools but on a much more powerful and enduring factor of spiritual and cultural kinship”.
As reported, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported active pressure on the Churches in order to recognize the OCU.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.