UOC hierarch: The Donetsk Eparchy remains part of the Ukrainian Church

Metropolitan Victor. Photo: 1+1 video screenshot

During the “Unified News” telethon, Metropolitan Victor (Kotsaba) of Khmelnytskyi and Starokostiantyniv commented on the statement by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church hierarchs regarding the decisions of the Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church in relation to the UOC eparchies located in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. He asserted that the Donetsk Eparchy remains part of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and has not decided to transfer to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Metropolitan noted that this applies to other dioceses as well.

“We recognize them as such, we pray for them, and we are confident that the time will come when normal communication and worship will be restored. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has always been, is, and will be with the Ukrainian people.”

Speaking about Metropolitan Ilarion, he highlighted his importance to the region and noted the unexpected nature of the ROC Synod's decision to relieve him from managing the diocese: “Orthodox Donbas and Metropolitan Ilarion are synonymous. Vladyka has served in the Donetsk Eparchy for 28 years. When he began his ministry in Donetsk, there were about 10 Orthodox churches; today, there are over a hundred. Therefore, this decision was unexpected, leading to an exchange of views and discussions among UOC bishops, culminating in the October 31 statement signed by 33 bishops.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, the UOC condemned the ROC Synod’s decision to release Metropolitan Ilarion of Donetsk and Mariupol from managing the Donetsk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

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