The UOC KP declared the Constantinople Church is not a Mother Church for them

The Constantinople Patriarchate “betrayed Ukrainians” and “sold the Ukrainian Church” to Moscow; therefore, it cannot claim to be called Mother Church. Such opinion was expressed on September 11 by vicar of Volyn diocese of the Kiev Patriarchate, bishop of Vladimir and Volyn Mathew (Shevchuk).

A peculiar interpretation of relationships between Kiev, Moscow and Constantinople was voiced by the vicar after the end of the church foundation rite and setting up of the cross in village Rudka-Kozinskaya of Rozhishche district of Volyn district.

“There is a Roman Church that also captivates the souls of Ukrainians. It is famous for its affluence and glory, stated Mathew (Shevchuk). – There are also the Greek who manipulate and say, “We are a Mother Church”. Not really. For the Mother Church would never abandon her children for the lavish money and zibeline furs – whatever gifts she might be offered. What mother will disavow and sell her child, furthermore, to the Moscow slavery? The Greek Church did. And now they say, “We are a Mother Church”. No. Our mother is our land.”

Earlier another representative of the Kiev Patriarchate became notable for his not less vivid utterances – Metropolitan of Lutsk and Volyn Mihail (Zinkevich) – who beatified the UPA fighters.

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