Cypriot Orthodox Church has refused to take part in marking of the 1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyiv Rus due to excessive politicization of the celebration.
Head of the department of external church relations of Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy, archimandrite Kirill announced this at a press conference.
"Cypriot church refused... over state interference in celebration," he said.
Kirill said that this reaction is quite unexpected, but predictable due to state's excessive interference in celebration of the anniversary.
According to Kirill, representatives of other churches are also concerned with the politicization of the holiday.
"Church representatives call us and ask what to do," he said.
Kirill said that Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchy does not oppose state's assistance in organization of the holiday, but do not greet attachment of the political pattern to the celebration.
As Ukrainian News earlier reported, on July 26-27, Kyiv will host celebration of the 1020th anniversary of Baptism of Kyiv Rus.
