Rovno eparchy refutes fake about Met. Bartholomew’s appeal to Putin

Metropolitan Bartholomew of Rovno and Ostrog

Ukrainian media continue to attempt to defame the canonical Church by publishing outright slander about the clergy of the UOC. This time, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Rovno and Ostrog, who had been on a visit to Moscow the day before, fell victim to anti-church propaganda.

“Media representatives spread untruthful information regarding Metropolitan Bartholomew and his visit to Moscow,” reports the press service of the Rovno eparchy of the UOC. “So, another publication has appeared recently, first on the “Rivne News” website, and later on “Risu”, about how the Metropolitan from Rovno asks Putin to pardon (the leader – Ed.) of one of the most influential Russian organized crime groups – Sergey Finagin. Both publications refer to insider sources and messages by an unknown blogger on “meta.ua”. Apart from the outdated form, which has not been used in the official letters of the Rovno eparchy of the UOC for a long time, the media do not provide any evidence or at least arguments.”

The eparchy reported that Vladyka Bartholomew is concerned about the slander of journalists and demands an immediate refutation of unreliable information.

“I’m no longer young, a disease that I’ve been fighting for a long time, takes more and more of my strength,” the press service cites a telephone conversation with Metropolitan Bartholomew. “I don’t know if the Lord will ever grant me prayer with the Primates of all the Local Churches at the same Throne of God?” Regarding the meeting with Putin, in which, as the publications say, I had to ask for a bandit, who I don’t know anything about, it is totally absurd and I demand an immediate refutation.”

The archbishop stressed that the purpose of his visit to Moscow was his wish to congratulate Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus, who marked the 10th anniversary of enthronement, and concelebrate with the heads of the Local Orthodox Churches. Meetings with classmates were also scheduled.

Vladyka Bartholomew confirmed the fake origin of his alleged “appeal” to the President of the Russian Federation, noting that the provided “document” was printed on an old sample form and did not have a seal of the Rovno eparchy of the UOC. For comparison, the press service published a form that is actually used in the official documentation of the eparchy.

Earlier, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Rovno and Ostrog noted that despite the insane pressure and lies against the Church, the UOC believers are firm in their faith.

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