Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and all Ukraine said that the Russian Orthodox Church creates artificial obstacles to obstruct the arrival of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
This is reported by Channel 24.
They are intimidating us with a religious war, but this is not going to happen.
The head of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy noted in an interview with Radio Liberty that they always protest. He recalled the visit of Pope John Paul II to Ukraine. At that time, the disputes and protests were also organized the Russian Orthodox Church.
"They said that there would be disputes and a religious war when Ukraine receives the Tomos. But we can see that everything happens peacefully if a foreign country does not interfere and does not create artificial obstacles," he added.
According to Epifaniy, the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew will show that this is the canonical territory of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
"The Orthodox Church of Ukraine is being established, developing dynamically, and other churches are joining the recognition. And so we have already taken place as a church. It only takes some time for everyone to unite," the Metropolitan stressed.
The other day the head of the UOC-MP administration, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary said in the program "Church and society" on the TV-Channel "Glas" that the UOC-MP opposes the arrival in Ukraine of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, and Volodymyr Zelensky, as the President of Ukraine, should worry about society's reception of this and a potential confrontation.