UOC Chancellor: Leaders of schism are puppets of major political players

Chancellor of the UOC, Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Boryspil and Brovary. Photo: rusk.ru

The Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, in an interview with the UkrLive TV channel, expressed the opinion that the leaders of the schism in Ukraine are not able to influence the situation with division, since they are not completely independent in their actions.

"Everything is in God's hands. Yes, we do not see a desire so far to find the correct church way out of this issue, but we do not see the power that would lead to this solution. Probably, little depends on those who are now guiding the split in Ukraine. One way or another, as we are witnessing this, they are puppets in the hands of more powerful, to use the secular language, ‘players’, not only in the ecclesiastical environment, but also on a large geopolitical field,” Vladyka Anthony believes.

Metropolitan Anthony emphasized that overcoming the schism can only be carried out in a conciliar manner on the basis of church canons.

“Nevertheless, we are believers and we hope that this cannot last forever. Ukrainian society deserves that Orthodox people be united, but everything must be resolved through agreement. Let me reiterate that this is a fundamental position of our Church: everything should be based on church canons, on the tradition, which was molded by the blood and sweat of our ascetics and which has shown its vitality. Therefore, everything should be decided by consent, conciliarity."

The UOJ wrote that, according to the UOC Chancellor, the issue of legalizing schismatics is a political one.

Read also

UOC's Social Department reports on aid provided during 1000 days of war

Millions of hryvnias in financial aid and hundreds of tons of humanitarian assistance were provided during this period.

On 1000th day of war, UOC opens exhibition dedicated to Church's mission

Before the exhibition's opening, a memorial service was held for those who perished and died during the war, as well as a prayer service for AFU soldiers and for Ukraine.

Zelensky on the Church: The era of those who sanctify terror is over

The President stated that in Ukraine, there is dialogue between the state and all religious communities.

Orthodox Church sacristan brutally murdered in Russia

The murdered man left behind three children.

Satanic show to be held in Prague as a counter to St. Nicholas feast

Terrifying creatures will scare children instead of giving them gifts.

Papal Nuncio in Kyiv: War is from the devil, it makes no sense

Visvaldas Kulbokas believes the Church's mission is to call for the urgent need to end the war.