Political expert: “Unification Council” may turn into a big scandal
"Unification Council" may turn into a puff, says Alexei Yakubin
A "Unification Council" can turn into a huge dust-up and a big puff. This opinion was expressed on December 10 by political analyst Alexei Yakubin, reports Golos.Ua.
According to Yakubin, there is a conflict between the organizers of the council and representatives of the Kiev Patriarchate.
“According to the idea of Constantinople, laymen, priests, exarchs, and the President should be present at the Council,” the expert explained. “In turn, the UOC KP considers that only the hierarchs should take part in the unification council. Because in this case, the Kiev Patriarch will have a majority, and will be able to dictate his conditions regarding who will be elected as a leader of such a structure. Filaret himself has not yet withdrawn from the game. Roughly speaking, there is no de facto consensus so far – between the authorities, the UOC KP and the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which cracks it down.”
The political expert also recalled that Filaret had put forward several ultimatum demands to the organizers of the Council on the participation of the bishops, and on his own participation in the event.
“Therefore, this council can turn into a scandal and a big puff. Thus, the Council, in addition to attacks on the canonical UOC, may involve attempts from the authorities to exert pressure on the UOC KP, and not only the informational one,” concluded the expert.
As the UOJ reported, in the run-up to the “unification council,” Filaret declared his disagreement with Constantinople regarding the council’s procedure. The Greek media reported that Phanar is dissatisfied with Filaret who is trying to impose his own rules.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.