The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia.

"A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years.

Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity.

Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople.

The Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate on Thursday agreed to recognise the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A synod meeting chaired by Patriarch Bartholomew, seen as the first among equals of Orthodox Church leaders, "decreed to proceed to the granting of autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine," said an official statement read in Istanbul, the former Constantinople. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko hailed the decision despite protests from Russia. "A decision to grant Ukraine autocephaly has been made," Poroshenko said in televised remarks. "This is a victory of good over evil, light over darkness," he said, adding Ukraine has been waiting for this "historic event" for more than 330 years. Moscow had earlier opposed the country's bid to establish an independent church outside Russia's control. It said that the step may lead to a split in orthodox Christianity. Russia strongly warned against the move, with the powerful head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill travelling to Istanbul earlier this year in a bid to dissuade the patriarchate from taking the step. (With inputs from AFP)

Patriarchate recognises Ukrainian Church independence, risking Russian ire

ukraine-church-independence

Ukraine Church Independence, News on Ukraine Church Independence, stories on Ukraine Church Independence, articles on Ukraine Church Independence, Ukraine Church Independence stories at Wion, Ukraine Church Independence news, Ukraine Church Independence latest news

ukraine church-independence

Patriarchate recognises Ukrainian Church independence, risking Russian ire