[lizol]

You know, there are 2 Orthodox Churches in Ukraine (plus Greek Catholic Church, which is a different thing).

One is affiliated with Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church - this is this canonical one, as it is recognized by the rest of Orthodoxy.

The second one is independent from Russia.

And when Russian politicians honor the leader of the Church, which cheers deep relations between Ukraine and Russia - - somehow I can't oppose the impression, that politics is deeply involved here.

But maybe Mazepa can answer to your questions - he's Ukrainian.

[A. Pole]

One is affiliated with Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church - this is this canonical one, as it is recognized by the rest of Orthodoxy.

The second one is independent from Russia.

So the second one is schismatic like the Polish National Catholic Church.

[peter the great]

The Church that is affiliated with the Moscow Patriarchate or in communion with The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is also in communion with the Orthodox Church in America and most of the other Orthodox Churches worldwide. You must remember Christ is what unites all of us not politics. As for Russian politicians honoring leaders of the Church politics has very little to do with this if you think it is something about the Church itself. You must keep in mind that the Church is growing in Russia and the Ukraine at a phenomenal rate and a rather large constituency is represented here and I could go on.