Ukrainian Premier pays a visit to Patriarch Bartholomew to seek “united church”
March 15, 2017 – Ukrainian Premier Vladimir Groysman met with Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew in Constantinople during his visit to Turkey. It is reported by the Cabinet of Ministers’ press-service.
According to the press-service, Vladimir Groysman declared, “Ukrainians strive for a single church” and expressed gratitude to the Patriarch for his “support of the unity of Ukrainian Orthodoxy”.
“We pray for the Ukrainian nation to be embraced by one Church. The Mother Church of Constantinople will help you get such a united church,” promised His Holiness. “We can be optimists about the future.”
Additionally, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his support for Ukrainians and declared he believes Ukrainians are not foreigners but “beloved spiritual children of this Mother Church.”
It will be reminded that according to sociological studies held in September 2016 by “Ukrainian Sociology Service” company, 32% Ukrainians stand against an idea of one local church. 36% choose to let this process go without any interference of politicians and the state. The remaining believers have not made up their mind yet whether it is expedient to set it up.
Groysman’s action shows the intervention of the government inside the affairs of the church. It violates the division of the church and state, as well as freedom of religion.