Cleric of Constantinople: Patriarch Kirill planned to become UOC primate

Patriarch Kirill with Viktor Yushchenko in Kyiv. Photo: Korrespondent

Kirill Govorun, who has been defrocked by the ROC and now serves as a cleric of the Church of Constantinople, spoke about what he says were Patriarch Kirill’s plans to head an autocephalist movement in Ukraine.

According to Govorun, who worked closely with the current head of the ROC even before his election as patriarch, Kirill had entirely different plans for his ecclesiastical career.

“Kirill personally told me that he wanted to learn the Ukrainian language. First of all, I was supposed to teach him,” Govorun said. “And now it is obvious to me – obvious – that if he had not become the Moscow patriarch, he planned to come to Kyiv, become Metropolitan of Kyiv, and become the head of an autocephalous, independent movement in Ukraine. To me it is clear that he had such plans.”

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the patriarch of the ROC banned Archimandrite Kirill (Govorun) from priesthood.

Read also

MP backs petition to ban UOC broadcasts in Rivne

The lawmaker described the situation in the cathedral as “religious schizophrenia” and accused local officials of years-long indulgence toward the parish community’s activities.

Liturgies continue at the Holy Sepulchre, Romanian Church cleric says

Despite shelling and restrictions, liturgical life in Jerusalem has not ceased.

Wonderworking icon of the Mother of God honored at Brailiv monastery

Hierarchs led a concelebrated service with a procession and also marked the 30th anniversary of the abbess’s ministry at the Brailiv convent.

MinCulture transfers to OCU Crimean building housing “Ministry of Property”

Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture has formally granted the OCU the right to use a building in occupied Crimea – the very building where a former cathedral once stood and which now houses the local “Ministry of Property” – for the next half century.

Antiochian patriarch expresses condolences on the repose of Patriarch Ilia

Patriarch John X of Antioch has sent a message following the death of Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia.

Court hearing in Upper Lavra case postponed again

The appeal hearing was adjourned after the monastery’s legal team obtained grounds to seek the recusal of the panel of judges.