EU drops Patriarch Kirill from new sanctions package draft
Patriarch Kirill. Photo: patriarchia.ru
The European Union has removed Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, from the draft of its 21st sanctions package against Russia, Ukrainska Pravda reports.
The decision was made at the request of Bulgaria and Italy, which opposed restrictions targeting religious leaders. The draft was significantly watered down ahead of the final vote scheduled for July 13 in Brussels.
Bulgaria was the first country to demand that the ROC leader be removed from the sanctions list, with Italy later joining the initiative. EU foreign ministers are expected to approve the final version of the scaled-back restrictions in the near future.
As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Daniel supported Bulgaria’s refusal to back sanctions against the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.