Parubiy tells Pat. Theophilos III about the need for SLC for over an hour
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada Andrei Parubiy met with the Patriarch of Jerusalem during his official visit to Israel.
The main topic of the conversation was the creation of the Single Local Church in Ukraine, reports Fakty ICTV.
"At the beginning of the meeting the Patriarch was very tactful, cautious and moderate in terms," the correspondent describes the impression of Andrei Parubiy.
The Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada reported that Theophilos III takes the problems of the Ukrainians with understanding.
"We must distinguish between political leadership and moral attitudes," Patriarch Theophilos III said. "Politicians address the issue in their own way, spiritual leaders must rely on the wisdom and inspiration of the Spirit of God. Our task is to help unity, and not to create a division between the state and the Church. "
It is reported that the talks between Parubiy and the Patriarch of Jerusalem lasted more than an hour instead of the planned 50 minutes.
Andrei Parubiy said that the Patriarch recognized the right of Orthodox peoples to their independent Church, but for this "dialogue and mutual understanding between all the Orthodox in Ukraine are necessary."