Aleksandr Shchipkov, the rector of the Russian Orthodox University of St. John the Theologian and Deputy Chairman of the World Russian People's Council, suggested on the "Church and World" program on the Russia 24 television channel that the topic of the September 15 meeting between Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople and Donald Trump was the dissolution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP).
This was reported by Christians Against War.
“We don't know the specifics of their conversation, but it was likely focused on how to dismantle the structure of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church... They could establish one, two, or even three pseudo-church organizations," he stated.
In his view, the believers of the UOC-MP will face challenging times ahead. While many will remain steadfast in their faith, some may choose to convert to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine or other new organizations. Shchipkov believes that this situation stems from a global confrontation between world Protestantism and Russian Orthodoxy.
"This represents a complex process of confrontation between world Protestantism and Russian Orthodoxy. That is the fundamental issue. This is why I consistently emphasize that when we negotiate with the other side, we must address the religious aspect, which Vladimir Putin frequently raises. In analyzing the situation in Ukraine, we must recognize that underlying this conflict are fundamental attempts by Protestantism to undermine Orthodoxy," Shchipkov stressed.
He also pointed out that the pressure on the UOC-MP is the result of a meticulously planned strategy by Western intelligence agencies, which began during Donald Trump's first presidency. According to Shchipkov, the implementation of this plan led to the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), with significant support from the United States. In his opinion, this effectively brought the Ecumenical Patriarchate under its influence.