UPTsKP REPORTS PRESSURE BY HEADS OF UPTsMP AND MOSCOW PATRIARCHATE ON METROPOLITANS WHO SIGNED ROVNO MEMORANDUM
Religiia v Ukraine, 18 November 2014
The Rovno diocese of UPTs of the Kiev patriarchate and the press center of the Kiev patriarchate published a report in which the heads of UPTsMP, Metropolitan Onufrey, and the Moscow patriarchate are called the chief impediments on the way to the signing of the memorandum on a dialogue for the creation of a united local Orthodox church in Ukraine, Religiia v Ukraine reports, referring to the website of UPTsKP.
"We take with profound regret the negative assessment and criticism of the memorandum on the part of a representative of the Kiev metropolia, chairman of the Information Department of UPTsMP, Bishop Kliment, who, without concealing his indignation, again accused the Kiev patriarchate for all troubles," the official statement of the Rovno diocese of UPTsKP said in particular.
Moreover, it was reported by reliable sources that the signatories of the memorandum from the UPTs of the Moscow patriarchate, Metropolitan of Rovno and Ostrog Varfolomey and Metropolitan of Sarny and Posesskoe Anatoly, were summoned on 17 November 2014 to Kiev and received a severe reprimand for affixing their signatures, and they were given the demand that they immediately repudiate their signatures.
We assume that this may provoke supporters of the Moscow patriarchate in the Rovno region to some kind of provocations, for which the Kiev patriarchate will again be blamed. We are deeply concerned by this report and we declare officially that we are ready to observe all points of the memorandum, which was signed by Archbishop of Rovno and Ostrog Ilarion, and we hope that all signatories will do the same. We believe that there will be a quick cessation of the hostility among Ukrainian Orthodox believers, and in the peace and unity of our nation, and the realistic steps for the creation in Ukraine of a united local Orthodox church."
In addition, the commentary of the press center of the Kiev patriarchate regarding the negative reaction of the Kiev metropolia of UPTsMP to the memorandum signed in Rovno regarding a united church analyzed the commentary of the head of the Information Department of UPTsMP, Bishop Kliment. The UPTsKP called the entire commentary of the latter "filled with baseless accusations and an overt distortion of facts."
Also the commentary of the press center of UPTsKP recalled the work of the commission of UPTsMP regarding dialogue with the Kiev patriarchate that has been blockaded since spring. According to information from UPTsKP, this blockade is continuing "in accordance with the order of Metropolitan Onufrey, who is acting on orders of the Moscow patriarchate."
"Now we clearly see that the only strategy of the Moscow patriarchate and the representatives of its will within the leadership of UPTsMP is the preservation of the existing condition of the division of the Ukrainian church," the press center of UPTsKP concludes, and it also recalls the numerous instances of support of the Donbass separatists on the part of UPTsMP clergy. (tr. by PDS, posted 19 November 2014)
Russia
Religion
News
Current News Items