UOC Archimandrite: Christ didn't create "Jewish" Church though being a Jew

Archimandrite of the UOC Ioann (Melnyk) addressed the issue of the nationalization of church life on Facebook, emphasizing the apostolic understanding of the Church as the one Body of Christ rather than a divided institution based on national features.

“I must be reading a different Gospel... Because when I hear how some people, who consider themselves Orthodox, talk about the Church today, I catch myself thinking that I must have a different Gospel,” writes Archimandrite Ioann, drawing attention to the widespread slogans: “This is the Ukrainian Church!”, “And this is the Moscow one!”, “FSB in cassocks!”, “Down with the priests, down with the 'Moscow Church'!”, “There should be our own Church – national, Ukrainian, independent!”.

The clergyman reminds us that Christ did not create a “Jewish” Church, even though He was a Jew by flesh. “He built a Church that is one for all. A Church that must be one, as one Lord, one faith, and one Baptism (Eph. 4:5),” notes the archimandrite.

Referring to the apostolic experience, the author emphasizes: “And the apostles did not build 'national Churches' – they went to all nations, creating one Church of Christ. A Church where there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither barbarian nor Scythian, but all are one in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:28).”

Archimandrite Ioann pays special attention to the current church situation in Ukraine: “And now, after two thousand years, in Ukraine alone – there are several 'local churches'. Each has its own 'bishop', its own 'hierarchy', its own registrations, seals, and medals. And each says: 'We are Ukrainian, and they are foreign.' So where is Christ here? Who appointed you? Christ? Or offices with seals?”

The clergyman warns against substituting church unity with national interests: “If the Church begins to be built on the nation, then it is no longer a Church – it is a religious fan club. The Church of Christ is a place where one is saved. Not where they shout: 'Ours! Ukrainian!'”

In conclusion, Archimandrite Ioann formulates the key thought: “And as soon as Christ disappears as the Center in the Church – and in His place comes a language, a flag, or a political slogan – then it is no longer a Church. It is another body. And another spirit.”

Earlier, the UOJ analyzed why patriarchs support “their” politicians.

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