Ukrainians are a noble people. They do not want and cannot live under the yoke, - Patriarch Bartholomew

This is reported by Portal "Credo.Press" citing the Patriarch's press secretary.

Patriarch Bartholomew called this day historic, "because we all celebrate the independence of Ukraine and the independence of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine at the same time."

He confessed his love for the Ukrainian people, calling them "noble and worthy” – the people "who do not want and cannot live under the yoke." The Independent Church, in his opinion, is a natural fruit of the state sovereignty of Ukraine.

At the same time, the Patriarch of Constantinople recalled the "privileges and rights" of his church, which were granted to it by Ecumenical Councils. In his opinion, "without them, Orthodoxy will not stand. We will be a broken family."

Patriarch Bartholomew said that unnamed opponents "intended to undermine and discredit the Holy and Great Council in Crete, which we all decided to convene." He put to shame and condemned to oblivion "those who did not come to the Council, "who tried to undermine and cancel it."