Metropolitan Onufry: UOC has all the necessary attributes of independence

His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine

We are an independent Church, said His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine in the programme "Morning with Inter" on September 14.

"All those attributes of independence that are necessary today for a normal service to God and the people – we all have this," said Vladyka Onufry. "We have our own Synod, independent of anyone, our Bishops' Council. The decisions of our Synod, our Council are final, and no one can challenge them."

Metropolitan Onufry stressed that Tomos would become a restriction of freedom, which the UOC has.

"We do not need this. We have autonomy, independence, all the attributes of free life necessary for successful spiritual service to people. <…> The Church is not a political organization that today loves one, hates the other, and tomorrow – vice versa," concluded the Primate of the UOC.

Also in his interview, His Beatitude Onufriy said that Orthodox believers today are "dragged into the format of a political party".

 

Read also

Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia

The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.

ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church

The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.

UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier

A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.

2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December

Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.

HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints

Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.

Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle

The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.