Odesa vicar comments on whether UOC is in talks with Phanar

Archbishop Sylvester and Archbishop Viktor. Photo: Archbishop Viktor’s Facebook page

Archbishop Victor of Artsyz, vicar of the Odesa Eparchy, has commented on publications by anonymous Telegram channels accusing him and Archbishop Sylvester of holding secret talks with Patriarch Bartholomew. This is stated in a publication on the hierarch's Facebook page.

The bishop called the accusations false and absurd, since he, as vicar of the Odesa Metropolitan, cannot act without the blessing of his ruling bishop and the Primate of the UOC.

"The 'facts' and 'information from reliable sources' published in this article are outright lies and slander. Neither His Grace Archbishop Sylvester, nor I, nor any other bishop of the UOC or cleric of the Odesa Eparchy has traveled to Constantinople or conducted any negotiations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. No surveys or consultations among the bishops regarding a change in the status of the UOC have been held either. Furthermore, I wish to note that I have never personally even met Patriarch Bartholomew," wrote Archbishop Victor.

The hierarch did not specify which publications or channels he was referring to.

As the UOJ reported, Patriarch Bartholomew said, "I was wrong about Ukraine, but I will not correct anything." The news examined the statements of the Patriarch of Constantinople on Ukraine and their possible consequences for the ecclesiastical situation.

The UOJ also previously reported that the UOC delegation held its last official meeting with the Patriarchate of Constantinople in June 2018.

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