Patriarch Filaret condemned forceful dispersal of Euromaidan

Patriarch Filaret released a statement about the events on Independence Square at night, December, 11

Head of the Kyiv Patriarchate condemned the use of force by the government and called for dialogue.

Statement by the Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus- Ukraine

In connection with the events on Independence Square at night December 11, 2013, I believe it necessary to state the following.

1. The use of force to restrict the constitutional rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and to freedom of expression and opinion, which the whole world witnessed last night, is unacceptable. The current political and social crisis is not resolved by these methods, which only lead to increased tension. The result of force can only be a radicalization of the protest and the slide of our country into full-scale civil conflict .

2. Therefore, to resolve the crisis a dialogue should be immediately initiated at the highest level between the authorities and the opposition and civil society. Until the end of this dialogue, there should be a moratorium on the use of force, so that the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of expression is definitely guaranteed. Reputable mediators may be engaged ensure implementation of agreements for dialogue.

3. Given that the root cause of the current civil protest was the indefinite postponement of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union, the most reasonable way out of the crisis may be a speedy conclusion of the negotiations and the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU. Other measures should be agreed upon by the parties through dialogue .

4. Court decisions cannot be considered sufficient to commit, especially during the middle of the night, forceful actions aimed at limiting the constitutional rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. We should not forget that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the execution of martyrs of ancient and modern times, and numerous repressions of the twentieth century were all executions of court decisions, but this did not make these injustices just.

5. Turning first to the representatives of the state, but also to those participating in civil actions, we urge all to not do violence. Remember that every person will answer to God for every word and every action of falsehood, violence and bloodshed. Evil is never left without punishment, but peacemaking is blessed and will be rewarded.

I call upon all the faithful to prayer for the preservation of peace and the overcoming discord in Ukraine .

I express support for those who seek a better European future for Ukraine. The Church is the people. God bless all good things!

Filaret,
Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus- Ukraine

11 December 2013