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The Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) stated that the Moscow Patriarchate is interfering in the process of recognizing the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine and is trying in every way to prevent it. This is stated in the address on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine Filaret, published on the website of the UOC-KP.



As noted in the appeal, the question of providing the UOC-MP autocephaly is a matter that is solved directly between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Patriarch of Constantinople, and the President of Ukraine does not interfere.



"At the same time, there are numerous facts of political and state interference by the Russian Federation and the pro-Kremlin political forces in Ukraine in the process of recognition in order to prevent it. Through diplomatic and other channels, pressure is being exerted on the power of Russia and the Moscow Patriarchate for the Patriarchate of Constantinople, other Local Orthodox Church: Pro-Kremlin political structures in Ukraine organized the collection of signatures, which, in their opinion, should "testify to the reluctance" of rights the Slavs in Ukraine to support the initiated work, "the synod representatives note.



The Synod of the UOC-KP accuses the Moscow Patriarchate and the Metropolitanate of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine of using influence, including financial, to distribute "subscription lists" - while there was no public church order to do so.



"Given these facts, we protest against the interference of the Russian Federation in church affairs, and the use of influence by pro-Kremlin politicians in the leading structures of the Moscow Patriarchate's Metropolitanate in Ukraine with the aim of preventing recognition of autocephaly. We believe that by their actions they violate the laws of Ukraine, incite inter-confessional discord, intervene in the affairs of religious organizations, encourage some religious organizations to interfere in the affairs of others, "the UOC-KP said.



At the same time, representatives of the Synod noted that under the guise of religious activities the structures of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine were engaged in spreading the aggressive Kremlin ideology of the "Russian world" and called on not to succumb to provocations aimed at inciting hostility.

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