Ukrainian president calls for single national Orthodox church

July 29, 2015

President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine met with representatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and called for the creation of a single local Eastern Orthodox church.

Ukraine's Orthodox Christians are divided among the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate, and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church.

"The prayer of Ecumenical Patriarch and his unshakable position in defense of peace and unity of Ukraine helps us heal the wounds caused by Russian aggression and terrorism," said Poroshenko, according to a report from the Religious Information Service of Ukraine. "All Ukrainians strive for the creation of a local Ukrainian church."

 

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Further information:

• Single Local Orthodox Church Will Promote The Unity Of The Country – President At The Meeting With Representatives Of Ecumenical Patriarch (RISU)