Expert: Shmygal's meeting with Patriarch of Georgia may be to benefit OCU
Denis Shmygal at a meeting with Patriarch Ilia. Photo: Facebook / Andrii Yurash
The meeting of the Prime Minister of Ukraine Denis Shmygal with Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II of All Georgia during an official visit to this country could have been motivated by favoritism of the current government towards the OCU, Andrey Zolotarev, Ukrainian political analyst and head of the Third Sector center, said in a comment for the UOJ.
In his opinion, personally Shmygal does not reveal much interest in interfaith relations, but he could have been prompted to meet with the Primate of the Georgian Church to build bridges in the interests of the OCU. “They compelled (Shmygal – Editor's note) to a meeting, given that this government also clearly demonstrates sympathy for the OCU. Perhaps it was about changing relations and facilitating bride-building,” Zolotarev said.
As the UOJ reported, the Prime Minister of Ukraine met with the Patriarch Ilia II of Georgia.
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.