Metropolitan Clement: UOC is still Ukraine's largest denomination
Metropolitan Clement (Vecheria). Photo: UOC Facebook
The head of the UOC Synodal Information and Education Department, Metropolitan Clement of Nizhyn and Priluky, said in a commentary to Strana.ua that the information of the head of the OCU that his organization has 8000 parishes does not correspond to reality.
"Regarding Epifaniy’s statements, I can only say one thing: for a serious man who claims the status of a religious figure, it is simply unseemly to deceive so ungodlily," said Metropolitan Clement.
It seems that OCU priests themselves do not believe in their long-term prospects, and therefore are in no hurry to renounce Filaret.
"The ‘statistics’ voiced by the head of the OCU have nothing to do with reality. As long as the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has existed, rumours concerning some of its global transformations have been circulating. Over its more than 30-year history, the UOC has shown that despite all the trials it has faced, it remains the largest and most consolidated religious community not only in Ukraine but also in the Orthodox world," the UOC hierarch said.
As reported in 2019, UOC-KP head Filaret Denysenko said that the "Unification Council" in which the OCU was formed was illegitimate.
Read also
In Pasika, Transcarpathia, priest defects to OCU while community remains in UOC
In the village of Paseka in Transcarpathia, believers discussed the future fate of their church.
In Sumy, Presentation Church of UOC damaged by shelling
In the Sumy Eparchy, the walls and fence of the Presentation Church were damaged as a result of shelling, but divine services continue.
Ukraine loses almost 98% of cases at European Court of Human Rights
According to the ECtHR’s 2025 report, nearly all complaints against Ukraine end with findings of human rights violations.
UOC Chancellor on Kyiv Council decision targeting UOC: Obvious lawlessness
Metropolitan Anthony said the document adopted by the Kyiv Regional Council violates the Constitution, interferes with freedom of religion, and exceeds the body’s authority.
In Finland, Constantinopolitan Church hierarch convicted of fraud
A Finnish court found the former archbishop of the Constantinople Patriarchate guilty of manipulating state subsidies and committing financial violations.
His Beatitude: Pure faith is the only path to soul salvation
On the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, the Primate of the UOC urged the faithful not to tailor faith to human reasoning and passions, and reminded them of the significance of the Ecumenical Councils.