On the mobilization of a UOC bishop

Bishop Seraphim of Novovorontsovsk. Photo: UOC Press Service

The mobilization of Bishop Seraphim of Novovorontsovsk shocked the faithful, but hardly surprised anyone. Dozens – perhaps already hundreds – of cases of priests and deacons being abducted by TRC officers have accustomed people to the idea that the “utilization” of UOC clergy is becoming the norm in Ukraine. And it is not by accident that we use the word utilization.

A clergyman has no right to take up arms and even less to kill, even in war. At the front, the chances of survival for unarmed men are minimal. Moreover, such men are simply useless there, since UOC clergy have been forbidden from serving as chaplains.

Yes, we often hear that in the army there is work to be done not only on the front line. But after years of war, rear positions have long been filled, while the catastrophic shortage is precisely at “zero.” And men are not being kidnapped off the streets to be sent to serve in Zakarpattia or Lutsk.

In fact, the mobilization of priests – and now bishops – of the UOC is the realization of the “patriots’” dream of eliminating “Moscow priests.” And eliminating them literally.

But here there are several unpleasant points for those who dream of this.

1️⃣ The Armed Forces of Ukraine are the most respected and revered institution in society. Yet right now this institution is being turned into an actual instrument of execution for the clergy. Today people may prefer not to notice. But when the deaths of priests inevitably come to light – and they will – an indelible stain of disgrace will fall on the AFU. And those guilty of this disgrace will include not only the authorities, but also those who today openly rejoice over the mobilization of UOC clergy.

2️⃣ The authorities, in the person of DESS, are carrying out the most shameless discrimination against UOC clergy. Exemptions from mobilization were given to every confession, even the most marginal. But for the bishops, priests, and deacons of the largest Church in Ukraine, there is no exemption. For “democratic” Ukraine this is a most shameful fact – one that still awaits a reckoning.

3️⃣ When it comes to mobilizing the UOC, our authorities show no logic at all. Since 2022, Zelensky, Podoliak, and other officials like Maliuk have been insisting that the UOC is full of “FSB agents,” “Putin’s spies,” and “Moscow priests.” And yet now these same “agents” are being conscripted en masse into the Armed Forces of Ukraine – without the slightest fear of betrayal, sabotage, or defection to the enemy.

4️⃣ The war will end. And those of the UOC clergy who survive will return home, to their parishes. And there they will be awaited by the “true patriots” from the UGCC, the OCU, or pro-OCU activists – those who “bravely fought” for Ukraine from their sofas in front of the TV or from behind their laptop screens.

And it will be curious indeed to hear what they call the clergy who return from the front. We have no doubt whatsoever: they will still be called “Moskals” and “Moscow priests.”

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