Dumenko: OCU will only accept those who have not served the "Russian world"

Epifaniy Dumenko presents the Order to Oleksandr Drabinko. Photo: pomisna.info

On December 15, 2022, the OCU head Epifaniy Domenko said that his structure is ready to accept only those clerics of the UOC who have not sullied themselves with their devotion to the ideology of the "Russian world," reports the official website of the OCU.

During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olha Stefanishina, Dumenko said that Ukraine is a "democratic country".

"Therefore, by definition, we cannot have any forced unification of denominations. We are not a totalitarian Russia, where everything is done by force, by order, regardless of the thought and desire of the clergy and the faithful," the head of the OCU believes.

He noted that his structure "still" firmly stands "for the unity of the Orthodox around Kyiv’s Throne".

"However, such unity can only be voluntary and with those who have not tainted themselves with devotion to the criminal ideology of the 'Russian world,'" Dumenko said.

Earlier, the current metropolitan of the OCU, Oleksandr (Drabinko), stated that the concept of the "Russian world" belongs to him at its core and that he should be considered the creator of this ideology.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.