Filaret: At the “Local Council” we revoked our renunciation of UOC KP

Head of the UOC KP Filaret Denisenko. Photo: UA.NEWS

During the briefing, which took place in the aftermath the “Local Council” of the UOC KP, the leader of this structure, “patriarch” Filaret, stated that the decision to liquidate the UOC KP which was taken during the “Unification Council” is invalid. The full video of the briefing was posted on the Vesti Newspaper's Facebook page.

In particular, the head of the UOC KP noted that on December 15 there was no “Local Council” of this structure at St. Sofia of Kiev, but there was a “collection of signatures for the liquidation of the Kiev Patriarchate”.

According to him, “without the liquidation of the Kiev Patriarchate, there could be no Council of the Kiev Metropolis of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, i.e. patriarchy cannot be part of patriarchy”. Therefore, in the words of Filaret, “we had to formally abrogate the Kiev Patriarchate”.

The head of the UOC KP asserts that it was “the renunciation of the Kiev Patriarchate that was liquidated at this council (the “Local Council” of the UOC KP)”.

According to him, this decision is no longer subject to further revisions, because on December 15 “the Council was not Local, whereas this Council (of the UOC KP – Ed.) is Local”.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Filaret still does not recognize its anathema to be valid and therefore, does not believe that the Patriarchate of Constantinople removed it in 2018.

 

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.