Ukrainian Orthodox patriarch says Putin is agent of Satan

September 08, 2014

Escalating his criticism of Vladimir Putin, Patriarch Filaret of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church- Kiev patriarchate has said that the Russian president is “a new Cain” who “has fallen under the action of Satan.”

In a public statement posted on the web site of the Kiev patriarchate, Filaret charged that Putin has manipulated the media to “spread cynical lies about Ukraine, sow enmity against the Ukrainian people, and against our desire to be independent and build our own sovereign state.” Putin also lies, the Orthodox leader said, when the Russian president denies that Soviet forces are actively seeking to split Ukraine.

Calling Putin to repent of his actions, Patriarch Filaret said: “For your actions you separate yourself from the Orthodox Church and God, doom yourself to an ignominious end of this life and eternal damnation in hell.”

Patriarch Filaret, who once led the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in communion with the Moscow patriarchate, broke with the Russian Orthodox after Ukraine achieved independence in 1992. His group now vies with the remaining Ukrainian Orthodox Church- Moscow patriarchate for the loyalty of Orthodox parishes in Ukraine. Although Patriarch Filaret has been far more outspoken in his condemnation of Russian policy, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church- Moscow patriarchate has also issued statements of support for Ukrainian sovereignty.

 

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Further information:

• Putin is under Satan's influence: leader of Kiev Orthodox Church (AP)
• Ukrainian Orthodox leader blasts Moscow patriarch, defends Eastern Catholics (CWN, 9/2)