The Deputy head of the DECR of the UOC Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich
Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich said the statement of Peter Poroshenko about the fact that “the Russian Church in Ukraine have nothing to do.”
The recent statements of the President of Petro Poroshenko has caused a backlash among the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. This was stated by the TV channel ZIK, Deputy head of the DECR of the UOC Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich, commenting on the statement Poroshenko about the fact that “the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine has nothing to do.”
“If to approach formally, it is unclear whom he was referring, because the “Russian Orthodox Church” we have. And not only in Ukraine but all over the world. In the world there is the Russian Orthodox Church, she was. And this Church has its congregations and in other States,” – said father Nikolai.
According to him, the majority of believers and clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church took a statement from Poroshenko on his account.
“Believers and clergy who call me say that these words of the President left a sour taste in their hearts, – said the Deputy head of the DECR. – These words of the President and his other actions, which could be regarded as actions against UOC, are negative and can hurt the President himself, because believers say that will remember these words, in deciding for whom to vote in the next elections”.
Earlier, Poroshenko said that representatives of the “Russian Orthodox Church” have nothing to do in Ukraine, and recommended them to go “home to Russia”. Before that, Petro Poroshenko, met in Istanbul with Patriarch Bartholomew for the signing of the cooperation agreement.