The Patriarch is concerned about the shelling of Donbass and violence against believers
Patriarch of Moscow And all Russia Kirill met with the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America by Metropolitan Tikhon raised concerns about the ongoing destruction of churches of the Moscow Patriarchate as a result of the shelling on the Donbass And their capture by the dissenters in the West And in the Central part of Ukraine.
" We are, of course, extremely concerned about the situation of our congregation for Eastern Ukraine, where there is a real humanitarian disaster. Unfortunately, for a variety of reasons citizens in the West in full force and effect don't know what is going on in this area ", - said the Patriarch, taking Metropolitan of all America And Canada on Wednesday in his friary of residence.
The Primate of the Russian Church said that " the Ukrainian government is completely blocked this region, creating the preconditions For economic blockade." Eliminated all Ukrainian banks, people have no money, they do not have the opportunity to receive no pension, no wages, no food And basic necessities in stores. And daily die most citizens from the shelling. I occasionally hear from bishops out there who carry out their Ministry, about the fact that under the blows of the Ukrainian artillery destroyed Orthodox churches, " said the Patriarch.
Speaking about the situation in Central And Western Ukraine, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church said that there are ongoing attempts to capture the temples belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate, initiated by representatives not recognized in the Orthodox world of the Kyivan Patriarchate.
" This is done under the guise of a referendum, when you collect all the inhabitants of the settlements, moreover, most of them have no relation To our arrival. And without any procedure, ask the question: " are You who - for Kiev or Moscow?" Citizens, of course, say: " for Kiev!" then there is the capture of the temples. Absolutely unlawful acts, violent acts against people. In addition, if our members are locked in the temple, then cut off the locks And break down these citizens often put a beating priests, " said the Patriarch.
in these conditions, he said, " the people with a very bravely stands for the faith, the clergy And the episcopate "." And this is an indication that the Ukrainian Church retains its strength And, as well as among them, the ability to influence the Ukrainian society, " - said the Patriarch. In General, assessing the situation, he expressed the opinion that the UOC-MP is going through the most difficult period of history in contemporary Ukraine."
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