Insider: Phanar exploits war to prepare new church structure for Ukraine

The Constantinople Patriarchate has decided tacitly to create another church jurisdiction in Ukraine, separated from both the Russian Orthodox Church and the OCU. According to the UOJ sources, priests who refuse to commemorate Patriarch Kyrill in conditions of war but who see no possibility to unite with the schismatics will be lured into it.

The first throw-in on the subject was made the other day by an active apologist for the Ukrainian schism, Archimandrite Kirill (Govorun) of the ROC. He wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople allowed UOC clerics who refused to commemorate the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church to commemorate him – without joining the OCU or any additional canonical procedures.

There has not been any official confirmation or statement from the Phanar about this. However, church circles are actively engaged in talks and probing bishops about the possibility of leaving the jurisdiction of the UOC. In the first place, the eparchies that refused to commemorate the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church are being considered.

As reported, some UOC bishops blessed clerics not to commemorate Patriarch Kyrill during services.

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.