UOC Сhancellor: Legalisation of schismatics is a political issue

Metropolitan of Boryspil and Brovary Anthony (Pakanich). Photo: antoniy.com.ua

The Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, in an interview with the UkrLive TV channel, said that the position of those Local Orthodox Churches that did not recognize the schism in Ukraine remains unchanged.

“How can the position of those who base their opinion, their position on church canons change?” noted the hierarch. “The schism remains a schism whatever you call it, whatever you wrap it in a pretty wrapper. We say that the schism is a wound, a disease, and whether or not you give a certificate to a sick person, if you don’t treat him, he will remain in the same state. I am monitoring the situation, I‘m going to Local Orthodox Churches, and in communication with the Primates and with the hierarchs it is clear that the position is already stable."

The UOC Chancellor expressed his belief that the issue of legalizing Ukrainian schismatics is not only ecclesiastical but also political and expressed hope that “the Local Orthodox Churches will be guided precisely by ecclesiastical care, the evangelical mission among their peoples”. Also, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary is sure that the meetings of the Primates, like the one that took place in Amman, are a promising way to resolve the situation.

“Unfortunately, a lot of issues not related to church life prevented us from promoting this project. I mean quarantine restrictions. Maybe the situation will calm down a little, and meetings similar to the one in Amman will take place. And there is hope that we will get out of this deadlock,” added Metropolitan Anthony.

Earlier, the UOC Chancellor said that in 2021 there were no “transfers” to the OCU.

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