REUTERS

Ukrainian activists have called on Honorable Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Filaret and Metropolitan of Kyiv and all Ukraine, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epifaniy to reach understanding.

A rally was held by members of the "Corps of Defenders of the Revolution of Dignity" public organization on Pushkinska Street in Kyiv outside the residence of Patriarch Filaret, according to an UNIAN correspondent.

The activists were seen holding posters saying "We call for unity!", "United Orthodox Church means united Ukraine," and "Orthodox Church of Ukraine basis of national security."

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They read out a letter calling on the clergy to reach understanding and unity.

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"Recently, we have received alarming news on an attempt to 'restore' the Kyiv Patriarchate and the convening of separate meetings for changing the statute of the newly established Orthodox Church of Ukraine."

"We emphasize the discord in the finally created united Ukrainian Orthodox church poses a threat to national security and that it would be the best gift to the Kremlin. Millions of Ukrainian believers may become hostages to misunderstandings of Ukraine's top clergy. Therefore, today we call on all church representatives to reach understanding and unity for the sake of preserving the Orthodox Church of Ukraine," the letter says.

No one came out of the residence to receive the letter.

A participant in the rally, Olesia Horiainova, said this letter would be sent to Filaret by email and by post.

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Horiainova also said she and her public organization do not intend to assess what is happening in relations between Patriarch Filaret and Metropolitan Epifaniy, only urging the two church leaders to reach understanding.

"We ask both Honorable Patriarch Filaret and Metropolitan Epifaniy to find a common language and show unity because times have not been easy for Ukraine, while internal discord could play into the hands of the enemy. We came with no demands, but a simple request," she said.