Metropolitan Varsonofy thanks SOC for support for UOC on Serbian TV

Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnytsia and Bar on Serbian TV. Photo: a screenshot of the interview on the Youtube channel Телевизија Храм

Metropolitan Varsonofy (Stoliar) of Vinnytsia and Bar on the air of the Serbian Orthodox TV channel ‘Телевизија Храм’ thanked the SOC for its position on the "Ukrainian issue" and support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The interview with the bishop was published on Tuesday, June 1.

The hierarch of the UOC noted that the Serbian Orthodox Church from the very beginning clearly outlined its position regarding the interference of Constantinople in the Ukrainian church issue.

“A special position was at that time, in 2018, of the late His Holiness Patriarch Irinej, who, when meeting in Moscow with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, unambiguously stated: it is impossible for Constantinople to interfere in the territory of the Russian Orthodox Church. Moreover, the position on the "hierarchs" who have not received a legal consecration, that they cannot be hierarchs in any way,” said Metropolitan Varsonofy.

The hierarch of the UOC expressed gratitude to both the late Patriarch Irinej, and the current Primate of the SOC, His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, as well as "all the hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church, the Serbian people, who support us prayerfully and in words".

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Serbian Patriarch Porfirije considers the support of the canonical order and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as evidence of the unity of Orthodoxy.

As reported, the delegation of the Vinnytsia Eparchy of the UOC visited the Serbian Church on a pilgrimage visit. As part of the trip, Metropolitan Varsonofy met with Irinej of Bačka and also led the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of St. Sava of Serbia in Belgrade.
 

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.