Yelensky on UOC bishops’ statement: We expect an exit from the ROC, not talks

Head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, Viktor Yelensky. Photo: Ukrainska Pravda

Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, commented to Ukrinform on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s statement to the Russian Orthodox Church Synod regarding the release of Metropolitan Hilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol from managing the Donetsk Diocese. He noted that it was signed by only 30 UOC hierarchs, which is not a significant number among the episcopate.

“We cannot say with certainty what this statement represents – whether it is a reaction to the violation of the UOC’s autonomy or an internal corporate conflict,” Yelensky stated.

He added that this statement might have an encouraging effect on those UOC clergy and laity who have long wanted to sever ties with Moscow. At the same time, the official acknowledged the criticism the UOC has received for its lack of response to the annexation of its dioceses, such as those in Crimea, Luhansk, Sievierodonetsk, Donetsk, and Mariupol.

Speaking on the reaction of UOC Primate Metropolitan Onuphry to the statement, Yelensky suggested that he did not support the document, as his signature was absent. “Society expects not discussions between synods, but an unequivocal exit of the UOC from the ROC,” Yelensky added.

As reported by the UOJ, the head of the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience stated that Ukraine leads Europe in terms of non-interference by the government in the affairs of religious organizations.

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