Zoria: I have been in contact with Phanariots since 2008
Spokesman of the OCU Eustratiy Zoria. Photo: video screenshot of the DetectorUA Youtube channel
"Archbishop" of the OCU Ivan (Eustratiy) Zoria spoke on the propagandist Youtube channel DetectorUA about contacts with representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople long before the anti-canonical act of Patriarch Bartholomew, who issued a tomos to Ukrainian schismatics.
The OCU spokesman said that his contacts with the Phanariots began back in 2008, when he was a member of the Kyiv Patriarchate under Filaret Denisenko. “I have known the main actors of the Ecumenical Patriarchate who took and are taking part in its life since 2008. I began to travel to Istanbul as part of the delegation of the Kyiv Patriarchate more or less regularly from 2011,” Zoria said.
He also said that a personal acquaintance with Patriarch Bartholomew took place during the tomos issue. “I met the Patriarch when the Tomos was presented, but according to him, I understood that he had heard about me,” Zoria noted.
As the UOJ reported, Zoria said that but for Phanar's efforts, other Churches wouldn’t have recognized the OCU.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.