Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow patriarchate asks Constantinople not to interfere in church affairs in Ukraine
MOSCOW. Aug 13 (Interfax) - The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow patriarchate has criticized representatives of the Constantinople patriarchate for interfering in church affairs in Ukraine.
"Unfortunately, we see that hierarchs of the Constantinople patriarchate have virtually ignored the Ukrainian Orthodox Church during recent visits to Ukraine and meetings with public administration officials and representatives of the self-proclaimed church structures," Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, property manager of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said in an interview posted on the website of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Thursday.
He said the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is a major religious denomination in Ukraine. This church is among the largest in the world in terms of the number of church communities.
"For this reason, we believe that our Church should definitely be involved in all possible negotiations on overcoming church divisions in Ukraine," the metropolitan said, commenting on the recent visit to Ukraine by two representatives of the Constantinople patriarchate, during which one of them spoke in favor of the creation of a local Orthodox church in the country.
Metropolitan Anthony said that, according to church traditions, an official visit by bishops of one local Church to the territory of another can only take place with the consent of the church hierarchy that exists on the territory where the visit is being paid. The visit by the representatives of the Constantinople patriarchate to Ukraine was not coordinated with the administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
"Unfortunately, it is not the first situation when bishops of the Constantinople patriarchate pay visits to Ukraine at the request of Patriarch Bartholomew without notifying the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of these visits," the hierarch said.
He emphasized that church divisions cannot be overcome if the only recognized Orthodox church existing in Ukraine is ignored.
"The opening on one territory of parallel structures of different local Churches has proven to be a threat both to the church and the public world. We are hoping that the leaders of the Ukrainian state and representatives of other local Churches will take into account the positions of the hierarchs, the clergy and the flock of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the future," the metropolitan said.