Novynskyi: Zelensky is fighting UOC in tandem with Patriarch Bartholomew

Zelensky and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: J. Mindala

UOC protodeacon and former MP Vadym Novynskyi said in an interview with the Spanish channel HerQles that the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the Ukrainian authorities is being carried out in direct coordination with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

“Let me repeat this once again so there can be no doubt: this entire campaign against the Church was led personally by Zelensky and Yermak. They did everything in coordination with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. He helped them in everything and, at times, added to it,” Fr. Vadym said.

According to the clergyman, documentary evidence of this coordination exists. “Two exarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarch are in Ukraine from time to time. There is even written evidence of how they held a meeting with the leadership of the presidential administration, where plans were laid out for persecuting our Church,” the protodeacon said.

He added that the goal of these joint actions was to secure the transfer of at least 50% of UOC priests, bishops, and parishioners to the OCU. “But they did not achieve even 10%. Because seizing churches does not work. They did not bring the people with them. They did not capture anyone’s soul,” the protodeacon said.

Fr. Vadym also accused Patriarch Bartholomew of never once raising his voice against the persecution of UOC clergy: “Never, not once, did he raise his voice and say: ‘What are you doing, persecuting priests, persecuting bishops, when bishops are beaten, thrown into prison, placed under house arrest on contrived grounds?’ Instead, he supports it in every possible way.”

According to Fr. Vadym, the SBU, court officials, regional and district administrations, and the police are also involved in the campaign against the UOC. “Everyone, everyone is taking part in this process,” the clergyman stressed.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Fr. Vadym Novynskyi, Patriarch Bartholomew plays a major role in the persecution of the UOC.

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