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
Sand for construction of Yermak’s residence brought from cemetery, MP says
MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that sand illegally removed from a cemetery in Ukrainka was used in the construction of the elite Dynasty cooperative in Kozyn.
Israeli soldiers receive jail terms for mocking statue of the Virgin Mary
Those involved in the act of sacrilege in the village of Debel will spend several weeks behind bars for desecrating a statue of the Mother of God.
Serbian Church officially receives back land of 15th-century monastery
An agreement was signed in Belgrade transferring the territory of the ancient Vojlovica Monastery to the Banat Eparchy.
Pat Daniiel comments on conflict between Phanar bishop and community in Turkey
The Bulgarian Primate believes that the hierarch of the Constantinople Patriarchate should not have forced the Bulgarian community in Edirne to serve in Greek.
Patriarch Bartholomew congratulates Patriarch Shio on his election
In his message of congratulations, Patriarch Bartholomew called for joint witness before the world within the framework of “pan-Orthodox unity.”
Georgian priest in Germany: Patriarch Shio will preserve Ilia II’s legacy
Priest Elias Schlepegrell, who was present at the election in Tbilisi, said there is a clear disposition toward preserving Ilia II’s line and the unity of the Georgian Church.