Medical staff in Kiev was forced to join events attended by Bartholomew I

28-07-2008

Kiev, July 27, Interfax - The management of Kiev's hospitals and clinics forced the staff to join festive events in the center of Kiev, conducted by Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the Interfax-Religion correspondent reported.

A medical attendant of an outpatient clinic complained to journalists that the management had forced all her colleagues to join some of the events with Bartholomew I participating, including the wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to St. Olga. The staff were forced to make written statements that they would go. The same was practiced at other medical establishments, the woman said.

Asked what the staff's reaction was like, she said, "Negative, of course," adding, "The weather is excellent proof of that." "It was raining when Bartholomew was conducting a service. Now our Patriarch [Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia] has arrived and the sun is shining brightly!" she said.

The woman declined to give her name, or the outpatient clinic she works at, saying she feared sanctions.

Large posters showing Patriarch Bartholomew - alone or with Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko - can be seen everywhere in Kiev. Pictures of the Russian Patriarch are a much rarer occurrence. http://www.interfax-religion.com/?act=news&div=5003