Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko, fomenter of schism in the Church
Kiev, 20 May 2008 (Interfax):
Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko invited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to participate in the celebrations marking the 1020th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia at the end of July. He extended this invitation to a delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the course of an official meeting in Kiev on Tuesday, the press service of the president reported. Mr Yushchenko stated that he supported, in every way possible, the activity of the EP in the Ukraine to unite all the Orthodox churches [under its jurisdiction]. He thanked the representatives of the EP for their efforts in this direction, noting the importance of such on the eve of the celebration of the anniversary of the Baptism of Russia.
Interfax-Religion
http://www.interfax-religion.ru/?act=news&div=24558 (in Russian)
Editor’s Note:
Yushchenko and Bartolomew are “cruising for a bruising”. This is a declaration of open war against the MP in general, and Patriarch Aleksei in particular. The celebrations were arranged by the MP, and Bartholomew is trying to take credit for an affair that he did not plan, does not have the money or influence to arrange, and on the canonical territory of another Local Church without asking permission.
In short, this is OUTRAGEOUS. Bartholomew and his minions are spitting in Vladyki Aleksei’s face openly for the entire world to see. Is this the opening salvo of the long-expected conflict between the MP and the EP? I fear so. The coming dispute between these two bodies shall determine the future fate of the Church. Shall it be the servile Uniatism of Bartholomew or shall it be the virile confession of Faith by Moscow?
May God preserve us.
I can’t believe the antics of the EP. When he tried to interfere with the reconciliation of the ROCOR and the MP, Patriarch Alexei had to tell him to mind his own business, and he left himself wide open for a lot of jokes about “trying to be Pope.” I think he thinks that’s what he actually is, but what would you expect from someone who was educated in Rome?! And what else could you expect from a patriarchate that has been cruising Westward ever since the adoption of the New Calendar? I don’t know what the EP *thinks* he is getting himself into, but as a former Catholic, I *know* what to expect of Rome’s “ecumenism.” Which is why I keep an icon of St. Mark of Ephesus in my icon corner.
Comment by Mrs. Mutton — Thursday, 22 May 2008 @ 00:04