Kamianske metropolitan comments on publication of his photo in ROC calendar

Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kamianske. Photo: Kamianske Eparchy's Facebook

Metropolitan Volodymyr of Kamianske and Tsarychanka issued an official statement regarding the publication of his photograph in the patriarchal calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church, as reported by the diocesan press service on Facebook.

In his address, the hierarch stressed that neither he personally nor the entire episcopate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has any connection to the ROC.

“According to the decision of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on May 27, 2022, our Church has completely separated from the Moscow Patriarchate,” Metropolitan Volodymyr stated. He noted that “His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine is not a permanent member of the Holy Synod of the ROC, while the episcopate of the UOC does not participate in the councils of this religious structure.”

According to the metropolitan, the publication of his photograph in the ROC calendar was done without any request from the Moscow Patriarchate, which “can be seen as unauthorized actions or an attempt at manipulation.”

“The Kamianske Eparchy remains faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Ukrainian State, and its people. We categorically condemn any attempts to use the names and images of representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for propaganda purposes by a hostile state,” Metropolitan Volodymyr emphasized.

In his statement, the hierarch also expressed firm support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, “who heroically defend our independence and territorial integrity,” and noted that the spiritual mission of the Church is “to serve God and the Ukrainian people, supporting all who suffer and helping those in need.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Mukachevo Eparchy commented on the inclusion of its hierarchs’ photos in the ROC calendar.

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