Poroshenko: anathema from Russia means distinct merits before Ukraine

“Prayerful standing for autocephaly” on Sophia Square in Kiev

The President of Ukraine also said that according to statements by representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, there was no anathema to Hetman Mazepa from Moscow. The head of state said this on October 14 at Sophia Square in Kiev, where a “prayerful standing for autocephaly" was held, reports Gordon.

The head of state stressed that the anathema from Russia is the recognition of special services before Ukraine. Addressing the head of the Kiev Patriarchate, he noted, “You did not break before a hypocritical, worthless Moscow anathema. There is no anathema as such. On top of that, according to the statements of the representatives of the Ecumenical throne, Hetman Mazepa was not anathematized, either. But in general, I want to say: anathema from Russia is nothing but recognition of distinct merits before Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. ”

Hetman Mazepa was excommunicated from the Russian Orthodox Church on November 12, 1708, after his defection to the side of Swedish king Karl XII.

According to UOJ, on October 14, on the Day of Defender of Ukraine and the Feast of the Intercession of the Mother of God, a prayerful standing for autocephaly, organized by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, was held on Kiev's Sophia Square. The participants were delivered to the venue by buses and minivans.

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