Activists from the People's Rukh of Ukraine party and Orthodox activists gathered near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Several dozen people have gathered near the central entrance to the Lavra, where the Bishops Council is expected to elect the new head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent has reported. The rally is a peaceful one and police officers are present there. From time to time, the rally participants chant slogans protesting the interference of the Moscow Patriarchate in the work of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). They are also holding several flags of the People’s Rukh of Ukraine.
Mobile police units are also present in the area and many buses with police officers in them can be seen in the side streets located near the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
To avoid clashes and provocations, the police have made a cordon to separate Orthodox activists from the supporters of the People’s Rukh of Ukraine.
