Poroshenko urges Rada to support the creation of a single local church
The President believes that Ukraine as never before is close to the creation of a local church
The President said that following the decision of the Verkhovna Rada, he would send a corresponding appeal to Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Petro Poroshenko stated this on April 17 during a meeting with leaders of parliamentary factions, reports RBC-Ukraine.
"Ukraine as an independent state does not just have the right, but it is simply obliged to create this church. As president, I decided to ask the Ecumenical Patriarch to issue a Tomos to the Ukrainian local autocephalous church and would ask you, dear colleagues, that the Parliament will also support this appeal and do so as soon as possible," Poroshenko said.
He expressed the hope that this decision could be made before the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus’ to be celebrated on July 28, 2018.
The President also stated that he had the consent to the creation of a local church of the eparchial bishops of the UOC KP and the UAOC, and demonstrated a document with the corresponding signatures.
Earlier, in September 2017, the Verkhovna Rada approved a historic appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch asking for the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.