OCU's spokesperson urges UOC not to "rely on princes" like Trump

Trump with the head of the Phanar in the U.S., Abp. Elpidophoros, before the inauguration. Photo: Elpidophoros' FB

Trump with the head of the Phanar in the U.S., Abp. Elpidophoros, before the inauguration. Photo: Elpidophoros' FB

The spokesperson for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Yevstratiy Zoria, warned the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) against relying on the new U.S. president, Donald Trump, for help.

In his characteristic pastoral manner, he wrote on Facebook that “in the propaganda garbage dumps of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) and its followers, there is a torrent of enthusiastic hope that now 'everything will be returned and everyone will be punished.'”

Zoria noted that “despite the apparent piety of the adherents of the Russkiy Mir (Russian World) ideology, they constantly demonstrate their exclusive hope in princes and the sons of men.”

“And by the way, they somehow forget that it was during Trump's first term that the Tomos was issued,” the spokesperson of the OCU concluded. He also hinted at the new U.S. president's favor towards the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Zoria prominently posted photos of Trump with the head of the Archdiocese of the Phanar in the U.S., Elpidophoros, and a link to an article noting that there are Archons of the Phanar in the immediate circle of the new U.S. president.

Previously, Zoria complained that the UOC completely ignores the existence of the OCU.

UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival

UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.

UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official

A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.

Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary

The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.

Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes

A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.

Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code

The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.

Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats

Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.