In Dubivtsi, “priest” fails to explain OCU’s canonical status

The "rector" of the seized church in Dubivtsi (left) appeared unsteady on his feet. Photo: UOJ

On April 1, 2025, during the seizure of the Dormition Church in the Bukovynian village of Dubivtsi, a discussion arose between a UOC parishioner and the OCU “priest” overseeing the takeover. The cleric from Dumenko’s structure appeared somewhat sluggish in his movements but was able to speak.

At first, the woman asked whether he, as a representative of a “local autocephalous church,” could serve in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Christ. The “priest” called the question a “provocation.”

She then asked him to explain how apostolic succession and canonical ordinations came into being within the OCU.

"Why did Bartholomew not recognize the UOC-KP and Filaret?" she asked.

"Because they were in schism," the “priest” replied.

"Then why didn’t Bartholomew re-ordain those bishops?" she continued. "If they were in schism and Bartholomew didn’t recognize them, then their ordinations were invalid. Why didn’t he re-ordain them?"

The woman explained that, as an Orthodox Christian, she could not justify joining the OCU because she did not understand how apostolic succession could have emerged there.

"Please explain. This is a huge problem for me. I can’t understand how OCU bishops and priests could have received grace if they were not ordained in the canonical Church. What ordination did those bishops have who were consecrated before the Tomos was granted?" she asked.

In response, the OCU cleric assured her that “everything is canonical” but could not explain where this canonicity came from. He claimed the woman simply didn’t understand what “canonicity” meant.

"Ordinations were done remotely," suggested one of the OCU activists.

The OCU “priest” disagreed with her but still failed to clarify where canonical ordinations in his structure originated. In the end, another OCU cleric approached, offered support, and led him away from the discussion.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that individuals in balaclavas seized a UOC church in Dubivtsi, Bukovyna.

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