Ukrainian Orthodox priests arrived in Kiev on Saturday for a historic council to create a new national church – a move condemned as schism by Russia.
This comes after the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodoxy, recognised the independence of the Ukrainian Church from Moscow.
In protest, the Russian Orthodox Church cut ties with Constantinople.
It also fears that its churches in Ukraine could be seized.
Despite Russia banning priests from the branch of the Church loyal to Moscow from the event, two of its bishops were reportedly seen arriving for the council in Kiev.
President Petro Poroshenko also came as an honorary guest, reportedly asking crowds outside to “stand and pray for a Ukrainian church to be created today”.
What about the council in Kiev?
It will be held in the ancient St Sophia’s Cathedral – one of Kiev’s best known landmarks.
Ukrainian clerics of different Orthodox denominations – including some bishops from…
