Will Jerusalem recognize the OCU?
Patriarch Theophilus and Patriarch Bartholomew. A photo: orthodoxtimes.com
As we remember, the diptychs of the Phanar contain the name of the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko. Therefore, it is most likely that the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew to Jerusalem will force the Primate of the Jerusalem Church to raise the issue of commemorating Sergei (Epiphany) Dumenko during the service. Indeed, if Dumenko is named together with all the other Primates of the Local Churches, then de facto this can be regarded as a recognition on the part of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
Therefore, the question arises: what are the possible scenarios in the event of Bartholomew's arrival in Jerusalem?
There are, by and large, only two of them:
1. The heads of the Churches of Jerusalem and Istanbul will agree that the name of Dumenko in Jerusalem will not be spoken out for the ecclesiastical world.
2. Patriarch Theophilos will not celebrate a joint Liturgy with Patriarch Bartholomew, sending one of his representatives to serve.
But these scenarios can hardly be called a way out.
One thing is certain. The Phanar's actions to legalize the Ukrainian schism, in fact, split Orthodoxy and made each joint liturgy of hierarchs perceived through the prism of politics. Now both the memory of a saint and prayer are just a background. The whole world will listen hard to whether Epiphany Dumenko’s name will be read in Jerusalem.
Read also
A voice from the grave
A hierarch who calls himself the “head of Orthodoxy” was secretly speaking with a man whom he himself had recognized as anathematized – and was negotiating with him about joining his own Church of Constantinople.
Lavra as a backdrop for a name-day celebration
Any service held by Epifaniy in the Lavra is simply an off-site event organized on the principle of “everything I need, I bring with me,” where the Lavra itself is used as a backdrop, a rented venue.
What is the difference between Dumenko and "Patriarch" Nikodym?
The difference between Dumenko and Kobzar is not in having or not having apostolic succession or spiritual gifts, nor in the depth of their theological knowledge.
Admit you're a Moscow priest – get a deferment
If you declare yourself a "Moscow priest," you are (according to the authorities' assurances) classified as "critically important infrastructure" and given a deferment. If you don't admit it, they force you to renounce your priesthood and go to war.
Why, by inciting hatred against UOC, you are inciting it against Christianity
UOC representatives have long warned the “patriotic confessions” that stirring up hatred toward the Church’s faithful would, in the end, turn against those who lit the fire.
Ukrainian rule of law: Will OCU clerics be jailed only for murder?
Courts hand down sentences to UOC clergy on absurd charges, while the state will not so much as wag a finger at OCU members for open incitement to violence.