"The political cartel" uses any leverage to weaken the UOC, – expert

The present political leaders of Ukraine show the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that they are ready to use any leverage to achieve their interests. This opinion was expressed by the head of the analytical center "Third Sector" Andrei Zolotarev, commenting on recent actions of law enforcement agencies to a UOJ correspondent.

"The strategy of the state, or rather a political cartel, which is in power today, is outlined by the President in his address to the Verkhovna Rada: he said bluntly that the government will not tolerate any external interferance in church affairs, meaning Russia's influence, – says Andrei Zolotarev. – Regarding seizures of churches to happen in early summer in Chernihiv, Ternopil and Rivne region, it can be reported that the situation has been improved a bit, but still nobody has given up the "fixed idea" to create the one Local Orthodox Church".

The expert is convinced that first and foremost the government is trying to weaken the resource base of the UOC-MP.

"This base is associated with a major philanthropist, who now assists the Church, Mr. Novinsky, – said Zolotarev. – He is the target. Secondly, the church hierarchs are made to understand, that they won’t enjoy any more the relationship, when the state for 25 years has treated the church rulers with a certain reverence. This includes bishops’ callings to the prosecutor. "

"Small dirty tricks" as the demolition of the church SAFs near the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra is part of this strategy, thinks the expert.

Discussing how the expectations of some politicians regarding the establishment of the one justified Local Church are justified, the expert noted that "Poroshenko will go into political oblivion sooner, especially if he proceeds in such a way."