On denunciations to "authorities" about UOC Diaspora
UOC clergy abroad. Photo: DECR UOC website
Currently, thousands of churches in Ukraine have been seized, and tomorrow, the same could happen to any remaining active church. The only way we can be 100% certain of attending a service next Sunday is by being outside Ukraine. However, in recent times, the UOC diaspora (which now comprises around 100 churches) has come under media attacks from our "Christian brothers" in the UGCC and OCU. Two statements have emerged almost simultaneously: one from the head of the Uniates, Shevchuk, and the other from OCU cleric Kovalenko. Their message is nearly identical – Ukrainian authorities must do everything possible to ensure that UOC parishes do not exist, not only within the country but also beyond its borders.
The arguments presented are outright lies (not even manipulations):
- That these communities are established under Moscow’s orders and financed by it.
- That they promote the concept of the "Russian World".
- That UOC communities train spies and provocateurs to create unrest in Ukraine.
The conclusion drawn by these "Christian brothers" is clear – they are calling on Ukraine’s "relevant authorities" to take action. Simply put, to ban and eliminate UOC communities, as has nearly been achieved at home.
At the same time, both speakers are fully aware that they are spreading falsehoods, that the UOC diaspora has no ties to Moscow. Moreover, the ROC itself is not pleased with its emergence. The reason behind these statements is simple – both the UGCC and the OCU seek to "privatize" all emigrants (even though the OCU is prohibited from doing so by the Tomos issued by Pat. Partholomew).
During the Soviet era, some pragmatic citizens living in communal apartments would snitch on their neighbors to the authorities in hopes of acquiring their living 'square meters' after their arrest.
As the saying goes, nothing personal.
And nothing Christian.
Read also
What kind of Ukraine are we moving towards?
The authorities are already saying outright that the demographic situation in Ukraine is catastrophic, that there is already no one to work.
Holy Rus' is becoming Muslim?
Hundreds of thousands of Muslims flooded the streets of Russia to celebrate Eid al-Adha. And what about Ukraine?
A voice from the grave
A hierarch who calls himself the “head of Orthodoxy” was secretly speaking with a man whom he himself had recognized as anathematized – and was negotiating with him about joining his own Church of Constantinople.
Lavra as a backdrop for a name-day celebration
Any service held by Epifaniy in the Lavra is simply an off-site event organized on the principle of “everything I need, I bring with me,” where the Lavra itself is used as a backdrop, a rented venue.
What is the difference between Dumenko and "Patriarch" Nikodym?
The difference between Dumenko and Kobzar is not in having or not having apostolic succession or spiritual gifts, nor in the depth of their theological knowledge.
Admit you're a Moscow priest – get a deferment
If you declare yourself a "Moscow priest," you are (according to the authorities' assurances) classified as "critically important infrastructure" and given a deferment. If you don't admit it, they force you to renounce your priesthood and go to war.