Russia (bbabo.net), - The Russian Orthodox Church cannot recognize states, but respects the political choice of peoples, said Vladimir Legoyda, head of the synodal department for relations between the church, society and the media, commenting on the recognition of the DPR and LPR.

"The Russian Orthodox Church, not being a subject of international law, does not have the authority to recognize or not recognize states. Only other states and international organizations have such powers. The borders of states located within the canonical territory of the Russian Church have changed many times, and church unity has always been preserved. At the same time, the Church respects the political choice of peoples," RIA Novosti quoted him as saying.

At the same time, Vladimir Legoyda added that now he does not have an answer to the question "whether there will be consequences of political and legal decisions for church administration."

"This issue, if it arises, will be considered by the highest bodies of church authority in the accepted order," Vladimir Legoyda said, stressing that the church today sees its main goal in providing all possible assistance to refugees.

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