Met. Luke: The country whose interests UOC represents is the Kingdom of God

Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol. Photo: hramzp.ua

The country whose interests are represented by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is called the Kingdom of God, writes Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporizhzhia and Melitopol on his Telegram channel in response to the statement of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople that the UOC cares about foreign interests rather than church criteria.

The hierarch noted that Patriarch Bartholomew himself "did not even think to hide the fact that he is one of the main agents of influence" in Ukraine, and his current arrival on the country's main political holiday at the invitation of government officials and the way they receive him here testifies that "It's not about religion, it's about politics".

“At the same time, he says about you and me, about millions of believers, citizens of our Motherland, that we represent “foreign interests” here. I would like to clarify that the country whose interests we represent is called the Kingdom of God, and the faithful children of the UOC are in fact citizens of this Kingdom,” Metropolitan Luke emphasized.

As reported, on August 21, UOC believers gathered for the prayer standing at the Verkhovna Rada in Kyiv to testify to their faith and show the Phanar head that his idea of the church situation in Ukraine has nothing to do with reality. The UOJ is broadcasting the event online.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.