"The UOC does not need autocephaly," – Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hadjinikolau)

Bishop of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Metropolitan Nikolaos (Hadjinikolau) of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki states that the problem of granting autocephaly is not a diplomatic issue, but a spiritual one.

"The Ukrainian Orthodox Church does not need autocephaly," said the hierarch of the Greek Church. - I mean, we, the Orthodox, need unity. Let us recall the Creed: I believe in the One, Catholic and Apostolic Church. So, in general, autocephaly is important if it facilitates pastoral care and helps people acquire holiness, if full-fledged church life is impossible without autocephaly. For any religious community, holiness and, of course, unity are important. I would never seek autocephaly, if it could break the unity of the Church and disrupt its connection with the Universal Orthodox Church. "

Vladyka emphasized that autocephaly is not seized by force, but is received by the grace of God.

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