Met Varsonofy recalls what Shostatsky spoke about UOC in 2014
Metropolitan Varsonofy (Stoliar) of Vinnytsa and Bar. Photo: spzh.news
Metropolitan Varsonofy (Stoliar) of Vinnytsa and Bar commented on the recent statements of the former Metropolitan of the UOC Simeon Shostatsky regarding the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
So, in an interview with the “RISU” website on January 16, 2021, the “hierarch” of the OCU, in particular, questioned the autonomy of the UOC, which, in his words, “really has certain powers and a certain independence” but decisions for it are not made in Kyiv.
In this regard, Metropolitan Varsonofy recalled another interview that the "hierarch" of the OCU gave several years earlier, while still being the head of the Vinnytsia Eparchy of the UOC. Then, in July 2014, Shostatsky assured that "the Russian authorities, possibly, have influence over the eparchies of the Moscow Patriarchate located on the territory of Russia, but have no influence on the UOC."
“I read the latest material on the “RISU” website and did not understand when ex-Metropolitan Simeon is telling the truth? In 2014, in an interview posted on the website of the eparchy or in the latest one for the “RISU” site,” wrote Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnytsia and Bar on his Facebook page.
As reported, the "hierarch" of the OCU Simeon said how in 2018 His Beatitude Onuphry could become the "Patriarch of all Orthodox Ukrainians".
Read also
UOC releases updated “Liturgical Guidelines” app for iOS
The new update includes liturgical guidelines for 2026.
United States to increase number of Christian hospitals in Nigeria
American healthcare support is linked to the measures taken by Nigerian authorities to protect the Christian population from violence.
UOC priest describes church seizure in Checheliivka
The dean of the Oleksandriia Eparchy said that representatives of the OCU forcibly opened a church where UOC parishioners had not been allowed to pray for three years.
Chernihiv Jews equate vandalism against menorah to arson of TRC
The Jews of Chernihiv are convinced that the vandals who toppled the menorah acted on Russia’s orders.
Mukachevo Metropolitan hands over aid to AFU and children's boarding home
With the blessing of Metropolitan Theodore, charitable events were held in the eparchy.
OCU takes over UOC church in the village of Checheliivka
Raiders from the OCU, after cutting the locks, broke into the Intercession Church, which was sealed until the court's ruling.