Head of Kyivan Patriarchate: Moscow Concerned Over State of Moscow Patriarchate
LUTSK — During a visit to the Volyn Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan (UOC-KP) on May 24, 2010, the head of the UOC-KP, Patriarch Filaret, held a press conference with journalists of the Volyn region. In response to one question, the patriarch stated that the church in Ukraine today is free. “Even though politicians want to use the church, we do not. The Kyivan Patriarchate is above parties, above all of them. But we are not indifferent to political parties. If they are for Ukraine, we pray for them. But we do not interfere in the political process,” stressed the patriarch.
As for the preparation of a dialogue with the UOC-Moscow Patriarchate, the head of the UOC-KP reported that a regular meeting of two work teams of the two churches on this issue is being prepared and stated that Moscow is concerned. “Moscow is very concerned, not over the state of the Kyivan Patriarchate (all polls show our advantage), but over the state of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine. A considerable part of UOC-MP ministers are inclined to autocephaly, and sermons and services are being Ukrainianized. Therefore, these people are called by Moscow ‘light nationalists.’ Therefore, the Moscow Patriarchate opposes the dialogue,” he stated.
According to the press service of the Volyn Eparchy of the UOC-KP, the primate also responded to a question on how the visit of Patriarch Bartholomew to Moscow can mean for the Kyivan Patriarchate. “The undercurrent of confrontation between Moscow and Constantinople has long existed. And we are glad that they find agreement now. But the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) has grown together with the state power of the Russian Federation that wants to absorb Ukraine, and the ROC helps it in that. The Universal Patriarchate does does not want to spoil relations with Moscow over Ukraine and, therefore, does not recognize our autocephaly. We need to endure. The time will come and the Lord will bless. Unity with Christ, not with Moscow or Constantinople, is what is most important for us. And what else is needed? We are with Christ,” noted Patriarch Filaret.
