Sumy metropolitan warns of potential consequences of regional occupation
Metropolitan Yevlogy. Photo: Eparchy Press Service
On June 13, 2025, Metropolitan Yevlogy of Sumy and Okhtyrka addressed the clergy and faithful of the eparchy in response to the troubling situation developing in northeastern Ukraine. He voiced concern over potential ecclesiastical interference should the region fall under occupation.
In his message, published by the press service of the Sumy Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the hierarch noted the advance of Russian forces deeper into the Sumy Oblast, including areas falling within the canonical territory of the eparchy.
“From the experience of other temporarily occupied territories, we know that military invasion is often followed by ecclesiastical interference – illegitimate appointments of new Church leaders, attempts to alter jurisdiction without the knowledge and blessing of our Primate and the Holy Synod,” the statement reads.
Metropolitan Yevlogy underscored that the entire territory of the Sumy Eparchy – encompassing the Sumy and Okhtyrka districts – remains the canonical jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. According to Church norms, only the Primate of the UOC, Metropolitan Onuphry, and the Holy Synod have the authority to modify diocesan boundaries or appoint new hierarchs.
“Any attempt to alter this order – without the blessing of the Primate and the Holy Synod of the UOC – must be considered uncanonical, illegitimate, and devoid of any ecclesiastical authority,” the hierarch declared.
The message also underscores that the principle of non-interference in the governance of another autocephalous Church is a deeply rooted tenet of Orthodox canonical tradition, essential for preserving ecclesial peace.
Metropolitan Yevlogy called on the clergy and faithful to remain calm, united, and firmly loyal to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, urging them not to succumb to panic or rumors.
Earlier, UOJ reported that Metropolitan Yevlogy had condemned the shelling of Sumy and expressed condolences to the victims.
Read also
Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra
Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.
Trump: "Paris is going to be a Muslim city very soon"
Donald Trump blamed uncontrolled immigration for street protests in France, warning that Paris would soon become a Muslim city.
Dumenko: Jerusalem Church is wrong to refuse communion with us
Dumenko claimed that the OCU, like the Apostle Paul, is standing up against the errors of the Jerusalem Church and other Local Churches.
Ukrainian parliament registers bill to establish Bible Day
Lawmakers have proposed establishing Bible Day to strengthen moral values and preserve the country’s spiritual heritage.
Dumenko: Pochaiv will be ours, and Sviatohirsk Lavra is no Lavra
The OCU head called Pochaiv Lavra the Russian Orthodox Church’s “last stronghold,” predicted that circumstances would eventually allow its transfer, and rejected Sviatohirsk Monastery’s status as a lavra.
Metropolitan Victor offers condolences to families of shelling victims
The ruling hierarch of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the Russian attack on Khmelnytskyi on October 19.