Chancellor: UOC status has never prevented it from leading people to God

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanych), the UOC Chancellor. Photo: a screenshot of Met. Anthony’s YouTube channel

Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary said in an address published on his YouTube channel that the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has never prevented it from leading people to God.

Commenting on the appeal of a group of clergy to His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry with a demand to convene a Council of Bishops of the UOC to proclaim autocephaly, Metropolitan Antony said: "Let's be frank: the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has never prevented it from fulfilling its direct duty of leading people to God."

"Everything else is politicking, emotion and speculation, which are far from the essence of Orthodoxy," he stressed and recalled that from time immemorial persecutors "have attempted to prevent the mission of the Church under any pretext".

Earlier, Metropolitan Anthony said that the UOC has no right to push God-entrusted people into schism despite intimidation and repression.

Read also

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.

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.

Netherlands Ministry of Education urges not to use terms "father" and "mother"

In the Netherlands, officials have been recommended to abandon the words "father" and "mother", suggesting to replace them with formulations within the framework of inclusivity policy and consideration for LGBT families.

Great Britain bans entry to US activist for criticizing Islam and migration

A US activist has been banned from entering the UK following controversial statements about migration, national sovereignty, and criticism of Islam.

UOC eparchies hold charitable actions throughout Ukraine at Easter

Believers and clergy of the UOC provided humanitarian aid to military personnel, displaced persons, hospitals and those in need throughout Ukraine.

Culture Ministry holds identity forum in Lavra’s Refectory Church

The authorities used the Lavra’s Refectory Church to discuss questions of “identity as connectedness.”