Ukrainian Orthodox (UOC–KP) Head Doesn’t Give Information about Constantinople Patriarch

24-07-2008

24.07.2008, [14:29] // UOC-KP //

Kyiv - Patriarch Filaret (Denysenko), head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP), does not confirm but does not refute information that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople may recognize the UOC-KP during his visit to Ukraine. Responding to questions of journalists about the reality of this information, he said: "We will see. God willing." for-ua.com posted the news on 23 July 2008.

At the same time, Patriarch Filaret mentioned that since 1992 the UOC-KP has been working to create a single national church in Ukraine. "Our goal is to have an autocephalous church, our own Ukrainian church. We are on our way to this goal," said Patriarch Filaret.

He noted that it depends not only on the UOC-KP, but also on the position of Moscow, Constantinople, and the state. "But now conditions are unfolding that will allow us to advance," said the patriarch.

In response to the question whether or not the UOC-KP would participate in a joint service for the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus, Patriarchate Filaret said he is waiting for an invitation, among them from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP).

"If they ask us, we will come. If they do not ask us, we will not come," he said.

Commenting on the declaration of the UOC-MP that they do not want to see representatives of the UOC-KP at the services for the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Kyivan Rus, Patriarch Filaret noted that one must be patient and do everything possible to not trigger animosity.

"We must pray that the Lord direct everyone to go the road [the Lord] has planned," said Patriarch Filaret.
http://www.risu.org.ua/eng/news/article;23618/