Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill commented for the first time on the decision of the UOC-MP on "full autonomy and independence" from the Moscow Patriarchate.
This is reported by Radio Liberty.
In a sermon after the Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, Kirill said that he "understands" the position of Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and the episcopate of the UOC-MP, which, according to him, should act "as wisely as possible" so as "not to complicate the lives of their faithful people."
At the same time, the Moscow Patriarch added that no temporary obstacles should destroy "the spiritual unity of our people." According to Kirill, some "spirits of the malice of the Middle Kingdom" seek to divide the "Orthodox people of Russia and Ukraine" and make a gap lie between them, but they will not succeed, "because all these efforts are not from God."
Earlier, Metropolitan Hilarion of the Russian Orthodox Church said that the amendments made to the Charter of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate do not change its status in the Moscow Patriarchate. In his opinion, the UOC has simply reiterated its autonomous status.