Phanar hierarch: Church of Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine no longer exists

Cross Procession on the day of the 1030th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus

When the Patriarchate of Constantinople abolished the act of 1686 on the transfer of the Kiev Metropolitanate to the Moscow Patriarchate, it thereby abolished the UOC, the BBC reports the words of Archbishop Job (Getcha).

“From a canonical point of view, this means that the UOC MP no longer exists in Ukraine,” said the Phanar’s representative. He explained that “by revoking the act of 1686, the administration of the Kiev Metropolis and all the UOC eparchies in Ukraine by the Moscow Church is no longer valid”.

The Constantinople hierarch does not understand why the hierarchs of the UOC should preserve “the link with the Moscow throne.”

“According to the decision of the synod, all hierarchs in Ukraine are hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, and now they have to wait for the directive of the Ecumenical Patriarchate regarding their future functioning and existence on the way to providing autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine,” the Phanar’s hierarch said.

When asked by the BBS correspondent, what to do if the episcopacy of the UOC does not agree with this state of affairs, Archbishop Job said that such a position can only be caused by the lack of awareness-raising. He stressed that in Ukraine everything is led by the Ecumenical Patriarch according to his canonical prerogatives. And he will inform his subordinates when he considers it necessary.

Archbishop Job added that the “unification council” in Ukraine for this reason will be convened by Constantinople.

Metropolitan Ambrose of Kalavryta and Aigialeia criticized Phanar’s actions in Ukraine and suggested they could split World Orthodoxy.

Read also

Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture

Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.

JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism

Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.

First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language

The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.

OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law

Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.

EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’

In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.

Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.