Dismissed Chancellor of UOC-KP says he is in "prayerful expectation"
Andriy Marutsak. Photo: Facebook
Former Chancellor of the UOC-KP Andriy Marutsak published an official statement on his Facebook page announcing his departure from the religious structure under the leadership of "patriarch" Nikodim. He called his decision a "direct and logical continuation" of his stance defending canonical order in the UOC-KP.
Marutsak once again emphasized that he categorically does not recognize the coup that occurred in the organization and considers any decisions by the new administration invalid. "I once again emphasize that I do not recognize the legitimacy of any documents, decrees, decisions or resolutions that are issued or will be issued by representatives of this conspiratorial group," the statement reads.
The "hierarch" officially announced the cessation of any administrative, canonical and prayerful communion with Nikodim's circle. According to him, this group "completely departed from church canons through the illegal election of a 'patriarch'" and essentially betrayed the spiritual legacy of Filaret Denysenko. "Remaining in such an environment contradicts my Christian and episcopal convictions," Marutsak stated.
In his address, he cited the 31st Apostolic Canon and the 15th Canon of the Quinisext Council, which oblige bishops to distance themselves from those who "conspire against church peace and lawful order." Andriy Marutsak claims that his withdrawal is not a rejection of the ideals of the Kyiv Patriarchate, but "a step to defend truth from those who seized power in it through conspiracy."
At present, the "hierarch" intends to continue his activities outside of subordination to Nikodim. "Today I remain an Orthodox bishop and am in a state of prayerful expectation and search for canonical understanding with those bishops who have not stained themselves by participating in this lawlessness," the author of the statement concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that "patriarch" Nicodim dismissed Matsurak from the position of Chancellor and later suspended him from service.
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.
Italian court recognizes family with three parents as legal
In Bari, the appellate court ordered authorities to register an adoption according to which a child is listed as having two "fathers" and one mother.
Archaeologists discover biblical Bethsaida on shore of Sea of Galilee
Researchers have discovered a first-century residential house beneath the apse of a Byzantine church and a mosaic inscription mentioning the Apostle Peter.
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 Daniel 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.