Why is Zelensky lobbying for “Russian World” propagandists?

Zelensky. Photo: Efrem Lukatsky

Picture this: Zelensky petitioning for the canonization of some hypothetical Orthodox metropolitan who openly promoted the “Russian World,” sang praises to Hitler, and groveled before Stalin, rejoicing at Ukraine’s occupation. Sounds impossible? Don’t be so sure. Because that is exactly what Zelensky is doing.

The only catch? He isn’t asking for an Orthodox metropolitan—but for a Catholic one. To be precise, a Uniate, which is essentially the same thing in this context.

During his recent meeting with the Pope, Zelensky “spoke of the respect in Ukrainian society for the figure of Andriy Sheptytsky” and declared: “We hope that Metropolitan Sheptytsky’s contribution and merits will receive due recognition.”

Since there’s currently intense talk of beatifying the Uniate hierarch, Zelensky’s hint was crystal clear.

Now for a bit of history.

In 1914, when the Russian army took Lviv, Sheptytsky wrote to Tsar Nicholas II about “the successes of the Russian army and the reunification of Galicia with Russia, for which the three-million-strong population of Galicia joyfully welcomes Russian soldiers as their brothers”:

“The Metropolitan of Galicia and Lviv, who for many years has wished and is ready daily to sacrifice his life for the good and salvation of Holy Rus’ and Your Imperial Majesty, lays at the feet of Your Imperial Majesty his heartfelt congratulations and joyful greeting on the occasion of the approaching reunification of the remaining parts of the Russian Land.”

Then in 1941, when the Nazis occupied Ukraine, Sheptytsky wrote to Hitler:

“I extend to Your Excellency my heartfelt congratulations on the capture of the capital of Ukraine, the golden-domed city on the Dnipro – Kyiv! ... We see in You the invincible commander of the incomparable and glorious German Army. The UGCC understands the true significance of the mighty movement of the German people under Your leadership... I will pray to God for the blessing of victory that will guarantee lasting peace for Your Excellency, the German Army, and the German People.”

Incidentally, Sheptytsky wrote this even after the Germans had scrapped the “Act of Proclamation of the Ukrainian State,” making it clear there would be no free Ukraine under the Nazis.

And then in 1944, when Soviet forces liberated (today the Uniates say “occupied”) Lviv, Sheptytsky fawned over Stalin:

“For the realization of the cherished desires and aspirations of Ukrainians, who for centuries have considered themselves one people and have wanted to be united in one state, the Ukrainian people express their sincere gratitude to You... This love tells us first and foremost to offer You wishes for all good things and to give due honor according to Christ’s words – ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s.’”

From a modern perspective, Sheptytsky three times welcomed the occupiers of Ukrainian lands: the Russians, the Germans, and the Bolsheviks. He claimed that Ukrainians and Russians were “one people,” called Russian soldiers “liberators” and “brothers,” and described Ukraine as part of Russia.

And we don’t condemn him for that – even though today such words sound outrageous. Nor do we condemn the Uniates for venerating their leader. If they believe that this triple betrayal of Ukraine is compatible with canonizing their hierarch, that’s their right.

But then let’s be consistent and stop accusing the Orthodox of the UOC, who haven’t done even a thousandth of what Sheptytsky took the liberty of doing. That’s not just double standards – it’s tenfold standards.

And of course, there are special questions for Zelensky, who is zealously fighting against the UOC:

“Mr. President, is lobbying for a man who promoted the ‘Russian World,’ exalted the Nazis and the Communists really your idea of fighting for the ‘spiritual independence’ of Ukrainians?”

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