Zelensky wants own patriarchate

Kiev is working to obtain patriarchate status for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), a schismatic entity propped up by the Ukrainian government, according to Vladimir Zelensky.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Zelensky revealed he had discussed the matter with a delegation of hierarchs from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in late August. The hierarchs already have a “vision of an action plan,” yet the matter is still pending discussions with the patriarch of Constantinople.

“I’ve said that our people, Ukrainians, would understand if our status was elevated to patriarchate. The exarchs accepted the information and will convey it to the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, they will discuss it,” Zelensky stated.

In August, Zelensky signed controversial legislation outlawing religious organizations that are…