UOC-KP ‘archbishop’ reports threats and pressure from OCU

Vladimirsky Cathedral of the UOC KP. Photo: Wikipedia

On November 9, 2025, the head of the Sumy eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP), “Archbishop” Nikodym Kobzar, issued an open letter addressed to the leadership of the Sumy Regional Prosecutor’s Office, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), and the National Police. He reported receiving threats of physical violence and facing pressure, which, according to him, are coming from representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

Kobzar noted that he had repeatedly been warned of possible provocations. According to his information, “Metropolitan” Yevstratiy Zoria of the OCU is expected to visit Sumy soon, allegedly with the aim of organizing pressure and “physical influence” against him.

“If anything happens to me or if church property is damaged, I will hold representatives of the OCU leadership responsible,” his statement reads. Nikodym connects these developments with his active stance in defending the rights of the UOC-KP and opposing the attempted seizure of the Vladimir Cathedral and the Kyiv Patriarchate complex.

He emphasized that the threats and pressure were a direct consequence of the UOC-KP’s refusal to merge with the OCU. He called on law enforcement agencies to prevent potential attacks and ensure the protection of UOC-KP members and church property.

“All that is happening is the result of pressure on a Church that has remained faithful to its canonical principles and refused to unite with the OCU,” concluded Nikodym Kobzar.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a video had surfaced showing Filaret signing his spiritual testament.

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