The Orthodox Church in Ukraine has been split since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with some bishops declaring themselves independent of Moscow.
Ukrainian police detained eight nationalist activists in Kiev today for protesting against a visit by the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is bidding to boost its influence in the ex-Soviet country.
Relations between Russia and western neighbour Ukraine have improved since pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovich was elected in January, but anti-Russian sentiment remains strong in some parts of the country.
Many Ukrainians refuse to recognise Russia's authority over Orthodox Christianity, a dominant religion in both countries, and accuse Moscow of blocking an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church from gaining international acceptance.
Chanting "Down with the Moscow pope!" and "Long live Ukraine!", dozens of activists gathered at one of Kiev's central squares as Patriarch Kirill visited the Saint Sophia Cathedral.
But they were quickly blocked by police who detained eight men and stopped the others from approaching Kirill as he left the church. A court has banned protests of his visit.
Kirill sought to emphasize the common history of the Russian and Ukrainian Churches, which trace their roots to the conversion to Orthodox Christianity of Prince Vladimir of Kiev in 988.
"Throughout the Holy Rus there are common saints, common shrines and a common Church," Kirill said, according to Interfax news agency.
The Orthodox Church in Ukraine has been split since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, with some bishops declaring themselves independent of Moscow. Russia's top clergy have prevented the world-wide Orthodox hierarchy from recognising an independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Kirill is still revered by the biggest branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and hundreds gathered to welcome him when he arrived in Kiev yesterday.
Ukraine's previous president, pro-Western politician Viktor Yushchenko, had supported the local church's bid for independence, but Yanukovich is seen as more amenable to the Moscow Church.
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