The spokesmen of both patriarchates of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church emphasize the importance of establishing a local church in Ukraine, but rely on the will of God. Similar responses were given to journalists' questions during a press conference in Kyiv.
“We are ready to hold negotiations tomorrow, but we understand that for our brothers this is much more complicated. The present time gives us answers to the question. Could we have imagined Russia’s attack on Ukraine a year ago? Or that former president Yanukovych would be hiding in Rostov? If today’s news feed had been read a year ago, it would have seemed to be just incredible”, said Chairman of the UOC-KP Information Department Yevstratiy Zorya.
Spokesman for the UOC-MP George Kovalenko believes that there is God’s will for everything and not only external circumstances are of importance for further union of the Churches.
“All things are possible by God’s will. It is important that this is happening not only externally but also internally, because it is only a half of the battle. But the other half is to know the decision that will be accepted by all religious community. It is important that it shall be supported and confirmed by the international clergy and the Eucharistic communion, they will convene for this end at the meeting in Istanbul”, he said.