Patriarch Kirill noted that the division crossed the border of Ukraine.
The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church for the first time gave details of his meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew, which took place in Istanbul on August 31.
During communication with participants of the VIII International festival of Orthodox media “Faith and word” Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill said that initially he had offered to meet with the Patriarch of Constantinople on neutral territory but he refused, saying that the meeting is only possible in Istanbul, which is the residence of Patriarch Bartholomew. This is reported by RIA Novosti.
“I realized that it is the desire to put in place, – said the Patriarch. – Someone of my colleagues said don’t go, it’s humiliating. And I thought – no, it is not humiliating, <…> I do not pay attention to these “toys”. I am willing to walk anywhere in order to prevent such a development, which, unfortunately, we came today.”
The Primate of the Russian Church noted that Patriarch Bartholomew was talking to him “not too brotherly.”
“But I’ve tried everything to soften. Even when I felt that the emotional level of my interlocutor begins to exceed the line – I have it so the hand will take, as brothers say, “Well, let’s quieter, well, let’s talk…””, – he added.
According to his Holiness, he has made some very good points on the Ukrainian issue, although the position of Constantinople already “was expressed quite sharply and radically.”
The Patriarch stressed that this meeting should have been held.
“Now I testify that were taken this last step, and talked “heart to heart”, but this step did not lead to positive results. But that’s not our responsibility,” he said, and added that “hope dies last”.
As reported by PWC, informed the Chairman of the Synodal Department of the ROC for Church-state relations with society and mass-media Vladimir Legoyda said that at the VIII International festival “Faith and word” great attention will be paid to discussion of issues related to Ukraine.