OCU Priest Andriy Shymanovych decides to return to UOC

Andriy Shymanovych. Photo: Shymanovych's Facebook

Cleric of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) Andriy Shymanovych, who had previously shifted from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) to the jurisdiction of Epifaniy Dumenko, announced his decision to leave the OCU. In a post on his Facebook page, he explained that his decision was the result of long reflections, prayers and a desire to be "an intellectually honest and faithful person".

Shymanovych emphasized that his decision was not intended to undermine the religious identity of others: "If you feel comfortable and find fulfillment in the Church, that is wonderful. The decision I've made is mine alone and concerns only me personally." The former UOC cleric noted that he now stands with the Church in which he was baptized, educated, married and ordained as a priest, and whose existence is now under threat.

In the comments on his post, Shymanovych added that he is returning home but did not specify to which eparchy of the UOC. "Now, instead of being in a nationwide patriotic organisation with the characteristics of a Church, I prefer to be in the Church where the dominant segment is patriotic. And there are enough suffering people everywhere," he commented on his decision.

The Telegram channel "Tserkovnik", commenting on this situation, noted the importance of this step and the potential consequences for the OCU. If Shymanovych decides to publicly discuss the reasons for his leave, it could cause a serious resonance: "If he chooses to publicly explain the reasons for leaving the OCU, it will be shameful not only for the bishops involved in this disgraceful situation but also for those who enjoy authority among many in the OCU."

The channel also highlighted the reaction of other clerics and the possible impact on the OCU's reputation: "Clerics of the Poltava Eparchy, especially those who are known in the media and social networks, are likely familiar with the situation, but have remained silent so far. Once Shymanovych publicly speaks about 'personal grievances, humiliations and threats of physical violence', it will be impossible to remain silent. Respected bishops will be seen in a new light by many, and for some, it will be like a bolt from the blue."

The "Tserkovnik" message also stated that the problem in the OCU could have been prevented if Shymanovych had received support and opportunities for his work: "If the OCU could prevent such incidents and were interested in not creating such situations, there would not be no problems for either the priest or the metropolitans."

As reported by the UOJ, Zelensky signed Law 8371, allowing the UOC to be banned.

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