Phanar works in Ukraine in two directions: through their “daughter” – the OCU, where they “are sovereign masters”, and through their exarchate in Ukraine, said UOC Chancellor, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, on Thursday during a press conference at the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.

According to Metropolitan Anthony, the UOC is aware that the Exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople holds meetings with the authorities, and also “the Exarch travels around Ukraine, he grew up here, so he has acquaintances here, and through these acquaintances he is trying to penetrate and somehow change his position our clergy,” said the hierarch.

“But people have already decided on their position in relation to the project (OCU, – ed.),” he added.