UOC bewildered by contacts between OCU, Yelensky, and ROC representatives

Vassa Larin and Viktor Yelensky. Photo: Larin

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has expressed bewilderment over the contacts between nun Vassa Larin of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) and Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (SSEP), as well as hierarchs of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

"DESS head V. Yelensky met with a representative of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the ROC is BANNED BY LAW! What is this? It is affiliation with the Russian Orthodox Church. Why? Let the official himself answer," wrote Abbess Seraphima (Shevchyk).

Archbishop Jonah, sharing a photo of Larin speaking at the OCU Theological Academy, wrote on Facebook: "What would happen if the Kyiv Theological Academy invited a ROCOR representative? Let us recall – of the Moscow Patriarchate. At best, there would be a media frenzy; at worst – a criminal case. This post is about double standards."

He also mentioned that Larin blocks anyone on Facebook who asks her legitimate but uncomfortable questions. He quoted Denis Zastavniuk: "Yesterday I asked her such a question under one of her posts, in perfect English. Today, I’m no longer in her friends list – and blocked."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that ROCOR's nun Vassa Larin was appointed professor at the OCU's Theological Academy, where she delivered a lecture.

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