State Ethnopolitics Head says why the UOC is not controlled from Moscow

Olena Bogdan, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience explained that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is autocephalous and is not governed by the ROC. This was reported by the Espresso TV channel in its Telegram channel.

“In an official letter, Metropolitan Onuphry clearly indicated that the UOC is no longer guided by the decisions of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, and officially announced its dissociation from the Moscow Patriarchate. We understand that the interest of the FSB in the UOC remains and caution is needed. The only connection that exists in the documents of the UOC with the ROC is a reference to the letter of Alexy, which indicates the communion with Ecumenical Orthodoxy through the ROC. The Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC explains that this communion does not mean that the former’s actions will be coordinated or agreed on with the ROC,” Bohdan stressed.

As the UOJ wrote, earlier Elena Bogdan explained that only believers can decide the fate of the UOC temples.

Read also

In Vinnytsia Eparchy, religious procession from Brailiv to Pochaiv canceled

The procession was canceled due to the authorities' directive.

In Valley of Jehoshaphat, UOC believers prayerfully venerate Marian apparition

After the service, prayers were read for the blessing of the crosses, which pilgrims traditionally bring on this day to the Valley of Jehoshaphat.