PUTIN THREATENS "MOST SEVERE CONSEQUENCES" FOR ATTEMPTS TO "TEAR APART" THE RPTs
Ukrainskaia Pravda, 31 October 2018
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that the Russian Orthodox Church (RPTs) does much for strengthening the cultural and humanitarian ties of the Russian Federation with compatriots throughout the world and now many are trying to "dissolve these bonds."
He said this at the 6th World Congress of Russian Compatriots in Moscow.
He said that now many are trying by various means to destroy it and "to dissolve these bonds and to divide along national quarters."
"I want to emphasize one thing: political maneuvering in such a sensitive area always has wound up with the most severe consequences. And primarily for those who do this," Putin threatened.
He added that it is Russia's duty "to do everything possible for preserving spiritual and historical unity."
Previously, Moscow Patriarch Kirill declared that Constantinople's granting of a tomos to Ukraine is a "global order" for the destruction of the Russian Orthodox Church.
On 11 October the Synod of the ecumenical patriarchate supported the granting of autocephaly to the Ukrainian church.
The Synod also revoked the anathema from the head of the UPTsKP, Filaret, and the primate of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, Makary.
The head of the UPTs of the Kiev Patriarchate, Filaret, declared that in the near future a unification bishops' council will be held for creating a united Ukrainian local church.
The Russian Orthodox Church promised a stern response to the actions of Constantinople with respect to Ukraine.
On 15 October, the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church recognized its further continuation in eucharistic communion with the patriarchate of Constantinople to be impossible.
The Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, based in New York, also announced the severance of eucharistic communion with the ecumenical patriarchate. (tr. by PDS, posted 31 October 2018)
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