Kiev, February 23, 2014
The All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations strongly condemns any discussion concerning a possible separation of our motherland and any attempts of separatism, which poses a threat to the unity and the territorial integrity of the Ukraine.
The territorial integrity of the Ukraine, the independence of which was given to us by God, is of a great importance for our people and that's why we do not have a right to allow its separation, as it is a sin against God and the future generations of our people.
In the present environment of the social and political tension, any discussion on this subject is dangerous, does not make for reconciliation, and leads to escalation of the conflict, spreading it to the regions. We also condemn the provocation of confrontations and hostility among residents of various regions of the Ukraine, representatives of different national minorities and faiths.
We address the residents of all regions of the Ukraine with words of a kobza player [a collective name for Ukrainian folk singers who played an Ukrainian traditional musical instrument resembling the guitar, which flourished in the 19th century]: “Embrace, my brothers! I implore and beseech you.”
On behalf of the chairman of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations
+ Anthony
Metropolitan of Boryspil and Brovary
Chancelor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
