The Visit of Patriarch Kirill to Ukraine in 2009 and its Significance in Ukraine's Political and Religious Life

Abstract

In July 2009 Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus' paid a visit to Ukraine with ostensibly spiritual concerns to celebrate the anniversary of the baptism of St Vladimir and Rus' and the 450th anniversary of the gift of the Pochaiv icon of the Mother of God. In this article we argue that the visit was, however, of more than just pastoral significance: it served both symbolically and realistically as a means to shore up the relationship between the Ukrainian Orthodox and Russia, reinforcing the religious and political ties between the two countries. We also argue that in backing up these ties, Kirill will not allow the formation of an independent and unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the motherland of Russian Orthodoxy, thus perpetuating the schism that exists between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Kiev Patriarchate (UOC-KP), the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). As a result, Ukraine is left without a unified church to promote union among the people, Russians and Ukrainians, something which was desired by President Viktor Yuschenko. This strategy by Kirill may cause further complications in inter-Orthodox relations, especially with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which desires a resolution to the non-canonical situation in Ukraine.