At religious events we see not just the flag of Ukraine, but flags and symbols of specific political parties with a very dubious reputation. This is how Metropolitan of Nezhinsky and Priluki Kliment commented on the flags of the Svoboda party and nationalists at the OCU event dedicated to the anniversary of the Battle of Berestechko, writes Vzglyad.

“The flags of dubious right-wing radical political parties at the OCU service, led by Epiphany Dumenko, dedicated to the anniversary of the Battle of Berestechko, in the village of Plyasheva, Rivne region, indicate that those who do not support this political ideology will be strangers at this event,” said Metropolitan Kliment.

He noted that any political symbolism is inappropriate at religious events. “We see not just the flag of Ukraine – we see flags and symbols of specific political parties with a very dubious reputation. Perhaps there are sponsors of this OCU who belong to this political party, but this does no honor to those who allow such agitation during the service,” the bishop said.

Vladyka noted that it is not uncommon for politicians to use the OCU for their “PR” and then pass openly anti-Christian laws.