The UOC-MP decided to break away from the ROC/racurs.ua
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has decided to break away from the Russian Orthodox Church. However, the priests say that there is not a word about a real break with Moscow in their document.
Georgy Kovalenko, rector of the Open Orthodox University, spoke about this.
According to him, all “independence and independence” of the UOC-MP from the Russian Church is the same as what was invented by the Moscow Patriarchate 30 years ago.
In fact, you need to look at the documents and official statements of the representatives of the MP. So, in the very document that adopted this “Council” of the UOC of the Moscow Patriarchate, there is not a word about a break with Moscow, the priest said.
He emphasized that the document says that changes will be made to the charter on the management of the UOC. But Ukrainians have not yet seen these changes.
“Moreover, some talk has already begun that the changes will be published directly on the website. And the official representative of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine said that “we are left with the status that we had in 1990,” the expert says.< /p>
Georgy Kovalenko emphasized that it is really important to understand that:
- “on Ukrainian-controlled territory, the church will declare that it is independent and not connected with the Moscow Patriarchate”,
- “and in the occupied territory, representatives of the MP have already made a statement that everything remains as it is.”
“Everything will depend on where the front line will be. But let's hope that these processes will still lead to the fact that this church will become the UOC,” the priest summed up.
Georgiy Kovalenko about the separation of the UOC-MP from the Russian Church:
UOC activities during the war between Russia and Ukraine
- Metropolitan and head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine Epiphany said that some representatives of the UOC-MP are working in favor of Russia, which is “a solid stain for the entire structure of the Moscow Patriarchate” in Ukraine. As you know, the UOC-MP hid pro-Russian militants.
- Note that the UOC-MP was subordinate to the ROC, whose head, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, openly blessed the Russian army for a war against Ukraine.
- split because top leadership did not recognize Russia's war against Ukraine, while the clergy condemned such a position and demanded a tribunal for Cyril.
- As a result, the UOC-MP supported the idea of condemning Patriarch Kirill and began collecting signatures under an appeal to the Council of Primates of the Ancient Eastern Churches. In response, Epiphanius stated that this was not enough and that action had to be taken.
- At the end of March, a bill was submitted to the Verkhovna Rada that could completely ban the activities of the Russian Orthodox Church. Against the backdrop of a full-scale attack by Russia, 51% of Ukrainians were in favor of a ban on the Moscow Patriarchate.
- At the same time, the activities of the Moscow Patriarchate were banned on May 4 in Konotop. The corresponding decision was made by the mayor Artem Semenikhin. An identical decision was subsequently made in Brovary.
- Thus, the Council of the UOC-MP on May 27 declared that it would continue to act “independently and independently” . In addition, they noted condemnation of Russia's military aggression.
- Therefore, the odious Patriarch Kirill “burned out” . After the liturgy in Moscow, he complained about the “spirits of malice in high places.” According to him, it is they who want to divide “the Orthodox people of Russia and Ukraine.” But Kirill “forgot” that Ukraine is the heiress of Kievan Rus.
- Let's add that since the beginning of Russia's war against Ukraine, more than 400 parishes of the UOC-MP have moved to the OCU. The negative attitude of the people themselves towards the clergy of the church that submits to the aggressor is also intensifying. For example, in Stryi, Lviv region, unidentified persons poured green paint on a priest during a divine service.
