OCU "hierarch" explains why he has a Russian passport
Kliment Kusch. Photo: mbk-news.appspot.com
The head of the Crimean diocese of the OCU, Kliment Kusch, explained that he needs a Russian passport to preserve both his personal and church property in Crimea, reports DetectorUA. Interviewer.
Commenting on Saken Aymurzayev's remark about photos of his Russian passport, Kliment Kusch stated that he is "a Ukrainian citizen with a Russian passport."
"The scandal doesn't stop: does Kliment have a passport or not? Yes, I do. Yes, I have it, because if I didn’t have that passport, I would not have the right to serve in Crimea. I would have lost all property, not only church property but also my personal belongings that I have in Crimea," explained the "hierarch."
Kliment also believes that anyone "trying to stir up controversy" over his passport is being paid by the FSB.
Furthermore, he pointed out that "those who consider this passport valid and legitimate are committing a criminal offense under Ukrainian law. The law on occupied territories states that this passport is not recognized as a valid document."
"If you recognize it, then you acknowledge the annexation and everything that is happening there. This raises the question: how much is the FSB paying you to promote the Russian passport issued in Crimea?" the "metropolitan" Kliment asked.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU "hierarch" with a Russian passport was surprised why everyone is discussing "this piece of paper".
Read also
Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle
The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.
BREAKING: Met. Arseny Hospitalized After Falling Ill During Court Hearing
Faithful urged to pray as proceedings in Sviatohirsk hierarch’s case continue daily.
Pat. Bartholomew: It Is a ‘Grave Sin’ To Put Politics Before Church Unity
"Those who jeopardize this unity in the name of geopolitical expediencies and base motives for acquiring earthly power—falsely cloaked in spirituality—commit an offense before God and a grave sin," the Ecumenical Patriarch said.
OCA Chancellor Visits Romania and Czech Lands and Slovakia
Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino represents Met. Tikhon at major church events and meetings with hierarchs of sister Churches.
Procession Held in Honor of St. Gabriel of Georgia
On Nov. 1, clergy, Mother Paraskeva, and Russian, Ukrainian, and Georgian faithful took part in a procession from the house of St. Gabriel the Confessor and Fool-for-Christ to the Samtavro Monastery.
Hierarchs of UOC Appeal to Zelenskyy in Defense of Met. Arseny
The episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church called on Zelenskyy to stop the persecution of Met. Arseny and to ensure he receives medical treatment.