OCU Synod issues reprimand to its bishop for ignoring Tomos regulations

Mykhailo Zinkevych and Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: fanarion.blogspot

The Synod of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), led by Epifaniy Dumenko, issued a reprimand to "Metropolitan" Mykhailo Zinkevych of Lutsk for multiple violations, reports the OCU’s official website.

The hierarch was accused of incorrectly placing images of benefactors in the frescoes of the Lutsk Cathedral of the OCU. According to Epiphanius' synod members, these images were created "in locations and forms inappropriate for donor depictions, causing widespread negative reactions."

Zinkevych was also criticized for authoritarian leadership, ignoring the provisions of the Tomos, and unauthorized interactions with the heads of Local Churches.

"His unilateral decision-making as head of the Volyn Diocese, numerous instances of deliberately distinguishing himself and his diocese from the fullness of the Local Church – manifested in the use of liturgical items uncharacteristic of the modern Ukrainian Orthodox tradition, multiple instances of disregarding the 34th Apostolic Canon, including unilateral interaction with other Church leaders without the knowledge or blessing of the Primate – along with conscious disregard for several provisions of the Tomos on autocephaly, which has led to unjust criticism of the entire OCU, have resulted in harmful consequences and created scandal," the statement reads.

The OCU declared a "reprimand with a call for Zinkevych to correct his violations and refrain from further ones, to reconsider his improper attitude toward fulfilling his canonical duty, and to uphold his sworn promise to maintain Church unity and act in sincere agreement in both word and deed with the Primate and the episcopate of the Local Church."

Additionally, the OCU removed Zinkevych from his position as Chairman of the Commission on Monasteries and Monasticism, stating that "for over five years, Metropolitan Mykhailo has failed to organize the work of the commission, deliberately neglecting his duties as chairman."

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew met with OCU "hierarch" Mykhailo Zinkevych.

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