UOC rep comments on ROC Primate’s statement about "sliding into schism"

Metropolitan Clement (Vecheria). Photo: a video screenshot of the YouTube channel "Ukrainian Orthodox Church"

Metropolitan Clement, the head of the UOC Synodal Information and Education Department, commented to the UOJ on the statement of the ROC head, Patriarch Kirill, about "sliding into schism by those who have ceased mentioning the name of the Patriarch".

According to him, the faithful and clergy of the UOC are experiencing outright discrimination for their religious beliefs, namely for their desire to belong to the true apostolic Church.

Metropolitan Clement noted that the UOC bears the burden of extreme pressure because of its commitment to the purity of dogmatic and canonical church governance.

"The experience of standing in the truth of our priests is not theoretical. Even if someone, whoever it may be, wants to question this experience – they will not succeed. The entire recent history of the UOC, from the granting of the Letter of full autonomy and independence in its governance to the present day, confirms that it is protected and guided by the grace of the Holy Spirit actually present in it. The flock feels this very subtly. That is why they do not betray our Church," he said.

The hierarch also said that Patriarch Kirill's calls to pray "for a victorious triumph over those who are opposing Holy Rus’" do not bring peace to people's hearts but rather provoke scandal.

"I thank God that the Primate of the UOC is His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, who adheres to the path of spiritual and canonical truth and peace," Metropolitan Clement concluded.

As reported, Patriarch Kirill said that priests and hierarchs who do not commemorate him lack conscience and courage.

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