New fears for the future

“We’re on the brink of a possible European war. We’re facing a threat that is becoming more realistic day after day and that must not be underestimated. That’s why we call for a stronger reaction on the part of the international community, along with spiritual and moral support”, said with concern Monsignor Bohdan Dzyurakh, secretary general of the Bishops’ Synod of the Greek-Catholic Church of Ukraine, auxiliary bishop of Kiev. The situation escalated after Kiev’s ultimatum to pro-Russia protesters in the eastern regions of Ukraine. “Ukrainian citizens – said the bishops -oppose the so-called ‘federalization’ of the country, nor are do they favour adhesion to the Russian Federation. A survey carried out a few days ago shows that 81% of the Ukrainian population condemned Russia’s invasion of Crimea while 78% considered Russian occupation on Ukrainian territory illegitimate.” Who is protesting in the East of the Country? “Given the lack of support of the local population the Kremlin sends agents in large cities in east-Ukraine to provoke unrest and clashes. They want to imitate Maidan (the pro-European protests in the Ukrainian capital of the past months, ed.’s note), but in reality it’s the continuation of the Russian plans to destroy developing democracy in the Ukrainian State. They have been seeking to involve also the local population unhappy with the new Ukrainian government -albeit to no avail until now- but they reiterate stances conveyed by Moscow. Their protest is aimed at destabilizing the social and political normalization process supported by the Ukrainian people and prevent the presidential elections of May 25.” The people are united. Are also Ukrainian Churches? “Since the beginning the Churches have showed unity in terms of Ukraine’s pro-European foreign policy and re Russia’s invasion of Ukrainian territory. All Churches express the common stand via the pan-Ukrainian Council of Churches and religious communities. It should be underlined that also the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is part of the Council under the jurisdiction of Moscow’s Patriarchate that currently holds its chair.” Then why did Moscow’s Patriarchate launch heavy accusations against Ukraine’s Greek-Catholic Church, accused of distancing the dialogue process between Moscow and Rome? “It’s not new and it’s not surprising. It seems that Moscow doesn’t know what is happening at political, social and religious level in Ukraine. The Patriarchate always repeats the same thing, without any foundation. It believes that the Greek-Catholic Church is an obstacle to ecumenical dialogue. Conversely, there are serious doubts on the yearning of the Orthodox Church of Moscow’s Patriarchate to engage in a sincere dialogue in truth and love with the Catholic Church. We have a saying: if you intend to do something, you look for ways to do it. If you don’t want to do it, you look for excuses.” In case of divisions in the Country is the life of the Churches also at risk?  “Difficulties are to be expected. We have already experienced them under the Russian occupation in 1945, when churches were confiscated and our bishops and priests were arrested and deported to Siberia. We already experienced, with the military invasion, the violation of our religious rights. The worrying news arriving from the peninsula after Russia’s occupation of Crimea confirms our fears. But we pray and hope that the mistakes of the past will not be repeated.”Is it a psychological fear due to a trauma of the past or a risk also for today? “I will answer with a question: could anyone have imagined that a Country with an enormous nuclear arsenal would enter the independent territory of a neighbouring Country? No, it was totally unexpected. Still, a tragedy has occurred and it’s still ongoing. Five thousand refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Crimea and fled to the continental territory of Ukraine. We are living a totally new, unimaginable situation. We must not underestimate the gravity of the situation. We follow the international developments with attention and hope because Ukraine cannot defend itself alone, although the population is ready to give their life for freedom. But the people’s aspiration is no consolation. Their heroism could lead to further suffering, which must be avoided with every peaceful means.”