Kiev - Ten thousand Orthodox Christians marched through the streets of Kiev yesterday in protest against Pope John Paul II's controversial visit this week, while the country's scandal-racked leader appealed for calm.
"I am convinced that this visit will contribute to peace between the faiths in Ukraine," said President Leonid Kuchma, who overruled the objection of the Ukrainian church in inviting the Pope, who is due to arrive tomorrow. "Orthodoxy or death" and "the Pope harbinger of the anti-Christ," were among the slogans carried by the demonstrators.