Poroshenko: anathema from Russia means distinct merits before Ukraine
“Prayerful standing for autocephaly” on Sophia Square in Kiev
The President of Ukraine also said that according to statements by representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, there was no anathema to Hetman Mazepa from Moscow. The head of state said this on October 14 at Sophia Square in Kiev, where a “prayerful standing for autocephaly" was held, reports Gordon.
The head of state stressed that the anathema from Russia is the recognition of special services before Ukraine. Addressing the head of the Kiev Patriarchate, he noted, “You did not break before a hypocritical, worthless Moscow anathema. There is no anathema as such. On top of that, according to the statements of the representatives of the Ecumenical throne, Hetman Mazepa was not anathematized, either. But in general, I want to say: anathema from Russia is nothing but recognition of distinct merits before Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. ”
Hetman Mazepa was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church on November 12, 1708, after his defection to the side of Swedish king Karl XII.
According to UOJ, on October 14, on the Day of Defender of Ukraine and the Feast of the Intercession of the Mother of God, a prayerful standing for autocephaly, organized by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, was held on Kiev's Sophia Square. The participants were delivered to the venue by buses and minivans.
Read also
OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies
According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.
AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC
An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.
UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral
Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.
UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine
Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.
Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty
The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.