Taking advantage of the split among the Orthodox Christians, the Ukrainian Uniates went on the offensive
The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church has expanded its influence in Ukraine in recent years.
The head of the affairs of the UOC, Metropolitan Anthony of Borispol and Brovary, spoke about this in an interview with the Kyiv newspaper Vesti.
“To what extent can Orthodoxy, in principle, be absorbed? This process will end with the formation of a parallel Orthodox structure, or could there be another step in the future?” the publication asked.
“You are right in that there is a rule: when two fight, very often the third wins. Unfortunately, life shows that all the best forces of our church are now aimed precisely at protecting it within the framework of the confrontation imposed on us by schismatics. We are forced to respond to current unprecedented pressure. As a result, the Orthodox forces are weakened, and this gives the Greek Catholic Church the opportunity to act very actively,” the Metropolitan said.
He drew attention to the fact that in recent years the UGCC has shown very rapid growth, and in those territories where it has never existed and where, in principle, there are no believers.
“However, Uniates in their respective regions build churches, create their own structures and, thus, conduct extensive missionary activities. At the same time, they were also effectively integrated into the education system. Therefore, in general, we must admit that yes, the UGCC has launched quite large-scale activities, directing all efforts to go far beyond the area of its traditional existence,” emphasized the manager of the affairs of the UOC.
As PolitNavigator reported, Uniates and schismatics are advancing towards eastern Ukraine in the wagon trains of punitive forces.
Taking advantage of the schism in the Orthodox Church, Ukrainian Uniates have gone on the offensive.