Religious scholar explains what OCU needs to do to become a patriarchate

Oleksandr Sahan. Photo: screenshot from the Voice of Crimea channel video

Ukrainian religious scholar Oleksandr Sahan addressed the possibility of the OCU obtaining the status of a patriarchate during a broadcast on the Voice of Crimea channel. According to him, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew had acknowledged at one time that the structure created by Dumenko could aspire to such status. However, there is a condition that needs to be fulfilled:

"Without unification with other parts of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, the OCU cannot claim the status of a patriarchate, although this process may take a long time," the scholar explained.

Sahan also noted that the schism within Ukrainian Orthodoxy remains a serious issue. He stated that the UOC is politicized, whereas the OCU, he said, is built on different principles – those of a local church.

"There is significant internal resistance on both sides regarding their perception of one another. But without unification – and this may not happen quickly – this church cannot claim the status of a patriarchate," he concluded.

As reported by the UOJ, Oleksandr Sahan stated that the anti-church law aimed at banning the activities of the UOC does not imply forced closure of churches; however, religious communities renting municipal property will face certain challenges.

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