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
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.
UOC priest being forcibly held by TCC in Ternopil Region
Archpriest Oleh Melnyk was beaten at the TRC.
Metropolitan Victor comments on ROC's actions regarding UOC dioceses
UOC hierarch spoke about whether the statement by 33 UOC bishops could influence the ROC Synod’s decision on the leadership of the Donetsk Eparchy.
UOC hierarch: The Donetsk Eparchy remains part of the Ukrainian Church
Metropolitan Victor stated that 33 bishops of the UOC signed a statement condemning the removal of UOC Metropolitan Ilarion from managing the Donetsk Eparchy.
Greek hierarch condemns harsh reactions of priests toward LGBT marriages
Metropolitan Philotheos stated that the Church must love everyone, including those it disagrees with.
OCU criticizes the painting of Lutsk cathedral with portraits of businessmen
A report has surfaced that the businessmen and their relatives depicted on the frescoes of the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Lutsk opposed having their portraits displayed on the cathedral walls.