Bishop Nathanael of Volyn and Lutsk: UOC is independent: its link to Moscow Patriarchate is prayerful

Ukrainian Orthodox Church is independent and has wide autonomy. Differences in the affiliation to whatever Patriarchate are slight. It was said by ruling archbishop of Volyn UOC eparchy bishop Nathanael in the live program “Opposite View Live” on the TV channel “Nova Volyn”, reports the site of Volyn eparchy.

“An official name of our Church is Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We have a devotional unity with the Moscow Patriarchate, mentioning the Patriarch’s name in our prayers in conformity with the rules. Yet there is no “dependence” we are sometimes ascribed to,” explained His Eminence Nathanael to viewers.

When this issue is raised, one needs to understand the laws of worship service, the Symbol of Faith, literally “I believe in One Holy Catholic (= Conciliar) Apostolic Church.” The essence of any Orthodox Church is its belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ. The affiliation to any Patriarchate should not be taken in a political sense.

He added that from the angle of Orthodoxy other confessions which consider themselves Orthodox are believed to be schismatic. “If we speak about faith in One Holy Apostolic Church we have just ONE, there cannot be many churches by definition, and we continually pray and wish other schismatic denominations could return to Christ Church,” concluded Bishop Nathanael.

Read also

The Church Celebrates the Feast of Saint John of Shanghai

Saint John of Shanghai is venerated as one of the great ascetics of the 20th century, a missionary, a man of prayer, and a wonderworker.

Ukraine Asked Japan for Money to Restore the Lavra

After negotiations between the foreign ministers of Ukraine and Japan, Tokyo announced its readiness to support the restoration of the damaged Lavra through UNESCO.

Zymne Convent opens admissions to its choir conducting school

The choir conducting department at Zymne Monastery is inviting applicants to enroll in its three-year full-time program, with applications accepted through August 19.

UOC church damaged in Kyiv shelling

The attack shattered windows and cracked the walls of the UOC church.

UOC-KP bishop voices support for Metropolitan Agafangel of Odesa

A representative of the Kyiv Patriarchate thanked the head of the Odesa eparchy for his steadfastness and urged people not to sow discord in interchurch relations.

Icon of St. Gabriel with relics brought from Georgia to Prague

At Prague’s Cathedral of Saints Cyril and Methodius, believers are venerating an icon of St. Gabriel Urgebadze with relics.