Patriarch Kirill not to attend Metropolitan Volodymyr's funeral for fear of provocation
Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia will not attend the funeral of Metropolitan Volodymyr in order to avoid provocation by radical forces. It was reported by Chairman of the Synodal Information Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Vladimir Legoyda, according to UNIAN-Religion.
“Of course, it is logical to assume that the Patriarch will come to say farewell “on the way of all the earth”, to one of the oldest members of the Holy Synod, the Primate of the self-governing Church, a man, who was very dear to him... The only thing that the pastor may be guided with, taking a decision in such a situation, is the care of the flock ... that no one prevented Orthodox believers of Ukraine to say farewell to their peaceful man of prayer and father ... There may be no other reason”, said Vladimir Legoyda.
He also noted that these days “the farewell hours might become a demonstration of human anger and aggression, and even quite possibly lead to violence against those who came to the funeral of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church”.
At the funeral of Metropolitan Volodymyr, on 7 July, the Russian Orthodox Church will be represented by permanent member of the Holy Synod of the ROC, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk.
