People’s Deputy of Ukraine Vadim Novinsky in an interview with “Ukrainian Pravda” said that he had discussed issues related to the church situation with representatives of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and also noted that the “OCU” was created artificially by representatives of the previous government.

“The Church is a political instrument in Ukraine. This Poroshenko Church in Ukraine, which was artificially created. This is a political institution that has nothing to do with spirituality. It is, as you can tell, a political organization with a religious name. This is absolutely clear to me. The fact that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is part of the Russian Orthodox Church is a fact. But we have rights, the broadest autonomy, a practically independent Church. We have a spiritual connection with the Russian Orthodox Church, it cannot be interrupted. But what you say is a myth. I know what I’m talking about.

This is a myth, mostly promoted by journalists, that our Church is overly politicized. That’s when some events take place in Ukraine, for example, they celebrated 25 years of the Constitution. Were the Primates of the Church? There were. Were in the hall? Were. Are there any other events of a national scale taking place, always inviting representatives of the Church? Always. And in Russia as well.

Some events are taking place, they invite Patriarch Kirill to these events. I just know that Patriarch Kirill is making a lot of efforts to ensure that we have peace. I have communication with him, personal contact. I know what I’m talking about. And in all churches, as a protodeacon, I serve on Sunday services, a prayer is always read during the liturgy for peace in Ukraine,” explained Vadym Novinsky.