UOC Chancellor: Phanar head is responsible for new troubles of believers

Patriarch Bartholomew in Kyiv. Photo: news.ugcc.ua

For the new troubles of the believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the responsibility is primarily borne by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, said the UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary, in a commentary on the seizure of the St. John the Theological Church in Krasnoselka, Vinnytsia region.

“The expert forecast on the negative consequences of the Phanar head’s visit to the Ukrainian land shows its correctness,” the hierarch noted in the material for Vesti.ua. “After all, it has been repeatedly emphasized that the arrival of the Istanbul guest will be perceived in some regions as a sign of support by the central government of the OCU. And this will result in new attempts to seize the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church."

In connection with the situation in Krasnoselka, the metropolitan stated that this scenario, unfortunately, is gradually beginning to become a reality.

“That is why we called on Patriarch Bartholomew to refuse his visit to Kyiv. He made a different decision, and now, first of all, he is responsible for the new grief and new troubles of the Orthodox believers in Ukraine,” stressed the UOC Chancellor.

As reported, the UOC called on the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to take the church seizure case in Krasnoselka under personal control.

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