The ROC is “illegally establishing” its structures on our territory – OCU
Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: OCU
On November 7, 2025, the OCU Synod stated that the ROC is illegally establishing its structures on the territory of other Churches, including the OCU itself.
In response to a letter from Patriarch Bartholomew regarding the ROC’s activities in Africa, the OCU assured that it condemns "the establishment by the Moscow Patriarchate of Russian schismatic structures on the African continent, which is the exclusive canonical territory of the Alexandrian Patriarchate".
"The Church of Russia is illegally establishing its anti-canonical structures on the territory of other Churches, in particular on the territory of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Alexandrian Patriarchate, the Romanian Patriarchate, and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine," Dumenko’s office reported, adding that "the false teaching of the ‘Russian world’ and the anti-canonical, schismatic practices of the Church of Russia, which have their roots in this ethnophyletist and Manichean doctrine, are subject to universal ecclesiastical condemnation, and Kirill (Vladimir Gundiaev) is subject to church trial and permanent removal from the Moscow Patriarchal throne."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, called the words of Christ a "saying".
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.