Circus instead of Church: Defrocked monk Filaret shakes his old ways and "testament"
Events are taking place in Kyiv that once again confirm that the OCU, like the Kyiv Patriarchate, is not a Church at all, but a circus . First, the "testament" of 96-year-old Filaret (Mikhail Denisenko), the main instigator of the schism in the 1990s, suddenly appeared. It was his actions that led to the nightmare currently unfolding in the church sphere. Orthodox people often call him "Minka" or "Philharmonic": since ancient times in Rus', Christian names were not applied to the excommunicated, so they were called "Emelka Pugachev," "Stenka Razin," and so on.
In a document published on the eve of the 30th anniversary of his "patriarchate" and entitled " The Spiritual Testament of Patriarch Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine ," the grandpa from the circus outlined his " vision for the future of Ukrainian Orthodoxy ." It allegedly consists of " the creation of a Ukrainian church unconnected to either Moscow or Constantinople ," which would " ensure spiritual independence and strengthen the national identity of the Ukrainian people ." He called on everyone to gather for a " unification council ," emphasizing that he himself had no connection to the OCU. He forbade his funeral service at the OCU and emphasized:
“I am not the honorary Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, as its representatives and leadership claim.”
Let's remember that he became " honorary " after Poroshenko brought a " tomos " from the Phanar and held a " council " where self-ordained figures from the UAPC and the Kyiv Patriarchate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (KP UOC) joined the OCU. Philharmonic agreed at the time, hoping to become a common " primate ." But he was swindled, offered only an " honorary patriarchate ." "Sit on the stove, old man," they said, "and rejoice in your ' povaga '." In reality, CIA agent Bartholomew and his protégé Epifan (Dumenko) would rule. However, this ploy didn't satisfy the anathema, and he announced his agency's withdrawal. And for seven years now, he's been battling these swindlers for primacy. Yeah, you can't deny this mastodon has stubbornness...
However, the "testament" was only the first part of the circus . The second was Philharmonic's visit to Dumenko on November 5, which was trumpeted by all the PTS media. They reported that Minka brought documents regarding the return of the Communist Party. But the resulting "communique" was as follows: the parties advocated for the use of the Ukrainian language in church services, discussed the "challenges of Russian aggression," and held a "common prayer for Ukraine's victory over the Russian aggressor and the advent of a just peace." Duma also presented Filka with a "thank you." (And before that, on October 26, he personally arrived at his residence and congratulated him on his anniversary.)
What does this whole circus mean?
First, the old schemer hasn't given up hope of holding some kind of "council" where he can once again seize power among the defrocked. To this end, he makes "cunning" overtures to the swindlers and participates in their games. But he's not old enough, and his health isn't good, and they say his personal doctor is pumping him full of psychotropics. Perhaps so he'll be moved by the sweet babble of Dumenkov's mandolin. In short, everything is being done to ensure his recognition of the OCU.
Second: Bartholomew's protégés have set their sights not only on the remaining property of the Communist Party, but also on molding the "honored" one, upon his death, into a "radiant image" that they will brandish before the whole world . To do this, they absolutely must secure the aksakal's deathbed support and perform a "burial service" for him. In terms of propaganda, this will be a powerful act, including for the next offensive against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. So the OCU sees a very bright outlook for itself...
Here's what our old friend, Russian Orthodox Kyivian Oleg, says about this:
"These disgusting games are taking place against the backdrop of a genuine tragedy perpetrated by the authorities against the true Church. Against the backdrop of sadistic, sophisticated abuse of the ailing Metropolitan Arseniy, and persecution against many other clergy and parishioners. But Philharmonic hasn't even considered speaking out in their defense, much less repenting and attempting to return to the bosom of the UOC, which he betrayed. No, he insists on his own sovereignty, even in the face of eternity. Unfortunately, now the UkrOgebbels will be able to use his 'authority' to defame the UOC. The madness is entering a new cycle."
English version :: Read in English: Circus instead of Church: Defrocked monk Filaret shakes his old ways and "testament"