Poroshenko doubts UOC canonicity: Where is their Tomos? Stalin signed?

Petro Poroshenko in Vinnitsa

In Ukraine, the OCU is now canonical, and all the rest should prove their canonicity, said President Petro Poroshenko, speaking in Vinnitsa during his Tomos-tour on January 13.

“No one has the right to close the doors of the God’s temple for Ukrainians, to determine who is canonical and who is non-canonical ... And now our Church is canonical, and let them now get on with it, show Tomos ... And where is their tomos? Signed by Stalin? This is where it all began. Truth – you can't hide it,” the press service of the Presidential Administration cites Poroshenko.

The Head of State also stressed that “a Ukrainian should not ask whose patriarchate the Church is, because they are going to God. And the whole Church should be one.”

As reported, on January 13, Petro Poroshenko and the OCU head Epiphany came with Tomos to the Saviour-Transfiguration Cathedral of Vinnitsa, where they were met by Metropolitan Simeon (Shostatsky).

Read also

Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report

The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.

Icons painted on ammunition boxes displayed at St Sophia's Cathedral of Kyiv

The capital's reserve has honored the memory of fallen fighters of the State Special Transport Service through an "art project".

Greek cleric rebukes deputy during Liturgy for supporting LGBT law

In Larissa, a cleric of the Church of Greece accused parliament of betraying Christian ideals.

Anglican Church of Wales approves rite for blessing same-sex couples

The governing body of the Church in Wales has approved a permanent rite for blessing same-sex unions – the decision has already been criticized by orthodox Anglicans, and an outflow of believers is expected.

Radomyshl City Council wants to seize St. Nicholas Cathedral of UOC through court

The Radomyshl City Council filed a lawsuit demanding recognition of the UOC St. Nicholas Cathedral as communal property due to the absence of a registered owner.

Greek Primate condemns desecration of Christ statue in Lebanon

Archbishop Ieronymos stated that violence against holy sites is unacceptable and called for peace following the incident involving damage to a statue of Christ in southern Lebanon.