DESS expert: “The problem is that Metropolitan Onuphry doesn’t yield to pressure”
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: UOC press service
Andriy Smirnov, an external expert for the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) and a member of the Synodal Commission of the OCU, commented on the revocation of Ukrainian citizenship from His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, stating that the Primate of the UOC does not give in to pressure. He shared his views in an interview with the publication Glavred.
According to Smirnov, under current Ukrainian legislation, Metropolitan Onuphry has only three months to resolve his legal residency status in Ukraine.
He stated that, “if there is political will, the state may deport Metropolitan Onuphry for violating migration laws and lacking legal grounds to remain in Ukraine.”
However, Smirnov doubts that the authorities will take such a step.
“More likely, sanctions may be imposed against Metropolitan Onuphry as an additional lever of pressure,” he said. “But the problem is that he doesn’t yield to pressure and will not comply with DESS directives or make concessions to the state.”
As previously reported by the UOJ, dozens of videos have been recorded by UOC believers in support of His Beatitude.
Read also
UOC hierarch celebrates Liturgy at relics of St. Nicholas in Bari
Archbishop Ambrose of Zghurivka, UOC clergy serving in Italy, and KDAiS students prayed at the myrrh-streaming relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari.
Police pledge increased security at UOC Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
UOC lawyers secured additional police presence following repeated provocations and direct pressure on the legal team outside the courthouse.
“Imperialist”: OCU cleric explains why Hieromartyr Vladimir is not venerated
An OCU representative claimed that Hieromartyr Vladimir supported “imperial policies” and was killed over money rather than for his faith in Christ.
Metropolitan Nektarios: Global system seeks to create “universal religion”
The Greek hierarch warned of the dangers posed by the global system.
OCU supporters stage provocation at soldier’s funeral in Polytsi
Relatives of the fallen soldier demanded that an OCU cleric conduct the funeral service inside a UOC church.
UOC Chancellor on OCU formation report: pressure, fear and suspicion
Metropolitan Anthony says the atmosphere of December 2018 described in the Phanar cleric’s report was the complete opposite of the love and freedom in which the Holy Spirit works.