Putin warns consequences from the division of Orthodox

Russia's President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday of “serious consequences” from the division of the Orthodox Church.

Weeks ago, the Patriarchate of Constantinople granted Ukraine the right to form an independent church, following Kiev's numerous accusations that the Russian Church supports pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

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Putin, who has supervised the increased authority of the Orthodox Church in Russia and has close ties with religious leader Patriarch Kiril, said there are “efforts to break ties” between the Russian Church and believers abroad.

Our joint task, first of all, is to preserve spiritual and historical unity”, Putin said.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who possesses spiritual authority over the Orthodox Christians of the world, granted the right to Ukrainian Church autonomy this month, which for more than 300 years has been under Moscow's control.

Patriarch Kiril refused to recognise this decision, breaking ties with the Church of Constantinople and accusing him of “violation of all rules”.