OCU Primate tells Japanese Ambassador about Moscow manipulating religious issues

During the conversation, the parties discussed Ukraine's struggle against Russia's full-scale aggression, the role of the Church in society, especially in the context of the ongoing war, the religious situation in our country and church-state relations.

This was reported by the press service of the OCU.

The head of the OCU thanked the Ambassador for the significant assistance Japan provided to Ukraine, noting that it is extremely important in such trying times.

In addition, he noted that Ukraine must defend itself even in the spiritual sphere, as the aggressor country is actively seeking to use it for its criminal purposes.

“Putin wants to preserve the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine as an element ensuring the “unity” of Russians and Ukrainians. At the same time, it is easier to manipulate sensitive religious issues, which is why we hear statements about “persecution” and “harassment.” However, in fact, this is a matter of national security, as the laws of Ukraine do not prohibit any religion - they prevent the aggressor country from using religious organizations as tools in the war against Ukraine. This applies to all religious organizations because everyone is equal before the law. We know Putin's goal. He came to destroy us, and he does not need people - he needs territories as a symbol. However, we believe in our victory and hope for further support from our international friends,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy.

For his part, Masashi Nakagome assured the First Hierarch that Japan is unwavering in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.