Vladimir Rozanskij

The divisions between Orthodox Churches are deepening in fear of losing faithful. Georgian metropolitan Nikolaj says it is important to read the Tomos of autocephaly in the original language. Savva, metropolitan of Warsaw refers to Epifanyj as "a simple layman" of a schismatic Church. In Ukraine, dozens of Orthodox parishes pass to the patriarchate of Kiev.

A "Great Wall" was discovered in Uzbekistan; the ancient tomb of the so-called "golden man" was found in Kazakhstan; a city from the 1st or 2nd century BC was unearthed in Tajikistan. And that is not all.

On February 3rd, Epifanyj enthronement ceremony. It is also his birthday. The ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew promises to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks. Orthodox churches close to Moscow - Cyprus, Syria, Bulgaria - are opposed to Kiev's autocephaly. Supporters, in addition to Constantinople, include Greece, Egypt and perhaps Albania and Romania.

The delivery ceremony of the Tomos of autocephaly yesterday in Istanbul had a strongly "national" character, with Poroshenko sitting next to the altar, together with his family and various ministers. For Ilarion and Chaplin of the Moscow Patriarchate, Bartholomew is "schismatic" and "heretic". The possible rejection of the Polish, Serbian, Czech Orthodox Churches. In Ukraine religion is intermingled with national politics, as in Russia. Today Christmas celebrated in the cathedral of Kiev. Fears of possible struggles for the possession of ecclesiastical structures.

In a letter sent on December 30, the Patriarch of Moscow condemns the decision taken for autocephaly in Ukraine. Kirill challenges the authority of Bartholomew, as overly hasty. Allegations also to Filaret of Kiev and Makarij, "the adventurer". The schism spreads throughout the world: Moscow will establish dioceses and its own parishes where there are structures of the patriarchate of Constantinople.

Martial law has been lifted. The Ukrainian president continues to denounce Russian military threats, calling on the West to intervene. For the opposition, it is all an election ploy. The president’s party is down to 11 per cent in public opinion polls. On 6 January, he will travel to Constantinople for the Tomos of autocephaly.

Russia could become the protector of the country and of Christians. But in the meantime international powers - such as Britain and France - and regional powers - like Turkey and Israel - are claiming areas of influence, opening up new fronts of confrontation and insecurity for its population and Syria. Two days ago Israeli aircraft attacked a Syrian military base in Qatifah, about 40 km northeast of Damascus.

As soon as he receives the Tomos of autocephaly, the new Church will address various themes: the governing bodies, the date of Christmas (25 December and / or 7 January); the situation in the Crimea; relations with other Orthodox Churches. The patriarch of Moscow, Kirill, pushes for the isolation of the Ukrainian Church. Its showdown between Constantinople and Moscow.

The 39-year-old metropolitan was elected to the Unification Council two days ago. Also present were Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, a representative of the Patriarch of Constantinople, two bishops linked to the patriarchate of Moscow, accused of being "Judas". The autocephalous Tomos should be delivered by Constantinople on January 6th.

Today a Council of Unification is being held in Kyiv to establish a Ukrainian Church independent of the Patriarchate of Moscow. Ukrainian security forces have subjected pro-Moscow priests to searches, arrests and “talks”. At least 56 pro-Moscow bishops are refusing to take part in the Council sponsored by Bartholomew I.

The Council will be held tomorrow. The bishops of the three Churches (Kiev, Moscow, "autocephalous") should be present to elect the primate who will receive the tomos of independence from Bartholomew I. Moscow has already threatened excommunications. Poroshenko offers the Church of Saint Sophie as the cathedral of the new primate. In Ternopol, a violent brawl between bishop Tikhon ("autocephalous") and the faithful who want to move to the patriarchate of Kiev. The parish priest hospitalized with concussion and broken ribs.

The leader of the 'Heksinki Group' who started the movement of Russian dissent in the 1960s died last December 8. The funeral is celebrated today. Perhaps Putin will also be present. In her testament she invites people to never lose hope, even when the battle appears lost.