Zoria: UOC communities blocked from joining OCU by pro-Russian authorities
Ivan (Yevstratiy) Zoria. Photo: Viche YouTube channel
In an interview with blogger Ilona Sokolovska, Yevstratiy Zoria said that many in the UOC are ready to unite with the OCU, yet various obstacles stand in their way.
When asked whether he sees any format for dialogue with the UOC, Zoria replied that the OCU is “ready to discuss any issues, any topics, everything that needs to be discussed – including matters related to the Tomos.”
“We are ready to discuss everything, without any restrictions. The only thing that cannot be up for discussion is the renunciation of autocephaly or of the Tomos,” Zoria stated.
According to him, “now that we have the Tomos and autocephaly, let us talk about how, on the basis of this canonical reality, when there are two churches, we can move toward ecclesial unity and peace. That is the position of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.”
He said that “literally every month or two,” Epifaniy Dumenko meets with UOC clergy who wish to join the OCU but are unable to do so.
Listing the reasons, Zoria cited opposition from parishioners, priests’ families, and even local authorities: “Local authorities that are pro-Russian are pressuring us and not allowing us to transfer,” he quoted one of the supposed visitors as saying.
Zoria did not specify in which region of Ukraine these “pro-Russian authorities” are operating or why they have not been held accountable.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Zoria had explained why OCU churches remain empty.
Read also
Common Easter date with Orthodox still a long way off – Vatican rep
The Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine said that dialogue on synchronizing the calendar is ongoing, but no tangible progress has been made.
Persecuted UOC сommunity сelebrates its patronal feast in Mali Dorohostai
In the Rivne Eparchy, the persecuted community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous marked its patronal feast.
Catholic monastery in Germany to open escape room for visitors
The Norbertines of Roggenburg have devised a way to attract visitors as the abbey prepares to celebrate its 900th anniversary.
Cherkasy court extends preventive measure against Metropolitan Theodosiy
The judge left unchanged the preventive measure imposed on the UOC hierarch in four criminal cases.
UOC parish in Lisbon celebrates 5th anniversary of its founding
The community of the Church of St. Spyridon of Trimythous in Lisbon marked its patronal feast and the fifth anniversary of its founding.
Pope says true Christians can have no enemies
Pope Leo XIV reflects on martyrdom as a “birth into heaven” and on Christmas joy a the choice of "justice even at great cost,” making celebration possible even amid suffering.