Bishop Victor comments on "prophecies" of UOC-OCU-UGCC union

Vicar of the Kyiv Metropolis, Bishop Victor (Kotsaba) of Baryshevka, commented on his Telegram channel on "prophecies" of a union of the UOC with the OCU and the Uniates, noting that such scenarios are out of the question.

"The UOC is now being prophesied by some to disappear or dissolve in an alliance with the OCU and the Uniates. It should be noted that such scenarios are out of the question. Even in the western eparchies, where attitudes are the most radical in relation to the ROC, no one is talking about a merger with these structures (the OCU and the UGCC)," the UOC hierarch wrote.

"We are ready for dialogue, but at the same time we do not intend and will not violate the norms of the canonical order that were mentioned in the resolution of the Council of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church on May 27 in Kyiv," the bishop added.

According to him, dialogue with the OCU is futile if they do not stop their aggressive activities toward the UOC. 

"Yes, for many representatives of the OCU the conditions put forward by the UOC, among which the first one is to stop mass seizures of churches, seem impossible to implement. However, civilized dialogue cannot even begin if one side of this dialogue kicks the other side. In this case, not only is it impossible to talk about dialogue but it is even difficult to think about an ordinary conversation. Therefore, no matter how many reports and forecasts appear today that the UOC is ready to "sag", to go against the canons of the Church and stain the purity of the Orthodox faith, we will respond with confidence – it is not ready and will not "sag", because it has always been, is and will be with Christ!”

As earlier reported, Bishop Victor urged to intensify prayers for the UOC and the Primate. 

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