Catholic Culture Resources
Catholic Culture Resources
Catholic World News

Russian patriarch charges Ukrainian Catholics promote 'Russophobic' attitudes

May 28, 2014

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill has accused the Ukrainian Catholic Church of “engaging in direct political activities” and encouraging “Russophobic” attitudes in Ukraine.

Speaking on May 28 at the Russian foreign ministry, Patriarch Kirill said that leaders of the Byzantine Catholic community in Ukraine have been stirring up resentments against Russia and “making sharp statements against the Russian Orthodox Church.” The conflict, he said, has cast a “very sad shadow” over relations between the Moscow patriarchate and the Holy See.

The Russian Orthodox Church has frequently complained about the activities of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, charging that the Byzantine Catholics are interfering in the “canonical territory” of the Moscow patriarchate.

 


For all current news, visit our News home page.


 
Further information:
Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: [email protected] - May. 29, 2014 7:19 PM ET USA

    The Russian Orthodox Church has always been a front for the Russian government in recent history. It is all about politics to them and everyone else be damned.

  • Posted by: Gregory108 - May. 28, 2014 11:32 PM ET USA

    Ukrainian Catholic hierarchy supports Ukraine and Ukrainian patriotism. If that's Russophobic,then may they be even more Russophobic in the future! Besides, it's hard not to be "phobic" of people who invade your country, unfairly take your land, march and station troops at your border and send in a bunch of hoods to terrorize people, shoot your army and occupy government buildings. That would sure make most people phobic. Instead of opposing such crime, like a Christian teacher, he complains!