Ukrainian Orthodox Church Says Targeted by Smear Campaign

Moscow, May 30, 2014

    

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate appears to have become the victim of a targeted media campaign, the chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary said Friday.

“Unfortunately, recently we have been continuously facing untrue and openly provocative information about our Church. I am surprised by the fact that these people lack integrity as they throw lies about the Church to mass media,” Metropolitan Anthony said in an interview published on the website of the Moscow Patriarchate.

Media reports claimed in December that the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, a historic Orthodox Christian monastery in the Ukrainian capital, has been giving shelter to so-called "titushki" or provocateurs. The Church has denied the reports.

In late February, TV reports claimed that ousted Ukrainian leader Viktor Yanukovych was hiding in a bunker in a monastery in Donetsk. “Shortly after, it became clear that this was a lie. But no one made an official apology to the Donetsk Eparchy,” Metropolitan Anthony said.

On May 2, on the day of the deadly Odessa arson fire, media reports said a priest at a church handed out weapons to worshippers. The Odessa Eparchy dismissed the claims but mass media are still spreading the false reports.

The latest report on May 6, also dismissed by the Church, claimed that the Sviatohirsk Lavra, in the Donetsk region, has closed its doors for worshippers as it currently serves as a base for gunmen.

Ukraine underwent a Western-backed regime change resembling a military coup in February. The country’s parliament ousted President Viktor Yanukovych, changed the constitution and scheduled an early presidential election for May 25. Petro Poroshenko, one of the richest men in Ukraine, won the vote in a landslide victory, garnering some 54.7 percent of ballots.

RIA Novosti

6/5/2014

See also
Believers burnt alive in Donetsk airport Believers burnt alive in Donetsk airport Believers burnt alive in Donetsk airport Believers burnt alive in Donetsk airport
Orthodox believers suffered from the attacks of Ukrainian militants against the International Airport in Donetsk on May 28.
Over 200 were killed in Odessa tragedy, leader of the Ukrainian Union of Orthodox Citizens claims Over 200 were killed in Odessa tragedy, leader of the Ukrainian Union of Orthodox Citizens claims Over 200 were killed in Odessa tragedy, leader of the Ukrainian Union of Orthodox Citizens claims Over 200 were killed in Odessa tragedy, leader of the Ukrainian Union of Orthodox Citizens claims
"Over 200 people were killed. Unnamed grannies with icons who were on the square at that moment, they were commanded to enter the building, but they never left it. My guys then found ladies' bags in the site of fire. Their owners were registered neither in mortuaries nor in hospitals," Kaurov said in his interview published by the Moskovsky Komsomolets website.
A mortar explodes near church in Sloviansk, civilians killed A mortar explodes near church in Sloviansk, civilians killed A mortar explodes near church in Sloviansk, civilians killed A mortar explodes near church in Sloviansk, civilians killed
The shelling started at about 19:30. Five mortars were fired towards the Artema micro-district, which damaged apartment houses and a hall of a residence where there were students.
Journalists, public figures create commission to investigate May 2 tragedy in Odessa Journalists, public figures create commission to investigate May 2 tragedy in Odessa Journalists, public figures create commission to investigate May 2 tragedy in Odessa Journalists, public figures create commission to investigate May 2 tragedy in Odessa
A commission that intends to determine the circumstances surrounding the May 2 tragedy has begun working in Odesa.
Investigation into Odessa tragedy continues as new details emerge Investigation into Odessa tragedy continues as new details emerge Investigation into Odessa tragedy continues as new details emerge Investigation into Odessa tragedy continues as new details emerge
The shocking events of May 2 in the Ukrainian port, in which at least 46 people were killed, continue to be the most discussed topic not only in the Ukrainian, but also the Russian mass media. The background to the incident is now becoming clearer as video footage and eyewitness accounts surface, but many questions remain unanswered.
 Ukrainian Hierarchs on the Tragedy in Odessa Ukrainian Hierarchs on the Tragedy in Odessa
Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky), Metropolitan Agathangel (Savvin)
 Ukrainian Hierarchs on the Tragedy in Odessa Ukrainian Hierarchs on the Tragedy in Odessa
Metropolitan Onuphry (Berezovsky), Metropolitan Agathangel (Savvin)
The beautiful Black Sea port city of Odessa, home to several Orthodox monasteries and splendid churches, is still reeling from the utterly horrifying incidents of May2, 2014. A population famous for its diversity and upbeat love of life turned against itself and committed fratricide.
Comments
Here you can leave your comment on the present article, not exceeding 4000 characters. All comments will be read by the editors of OrthoChristian.Com.
Enter through FaceBook
Your name:
Your e-mail:
Enter the digits, seen on picture:

Characters remaining: 4000

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required
×