Filaret withdraws from OCU and creates UOC KP “Synod” out of five “bishops”
The head of the UOC KP Filaret Denisenko. Photo: "BBC Ukraine".
The head of the Kiev Patriarchate Filaret has created the “Holy Synod” of the UOC KP, which includes all five “bishops” of this structure, as reported at a briefing broadcast by "TSN".
On June 25, 2019, during a press conference at his residence, “Patriarch” Filaret of Kiev announced the resumption of the activity of the UOC KP “Synod”: “There is the Synod ... it includes all the bishops who are in the Kiev Patriarchate. Five".
To the remark of the journalist that in accordance with the Statute of the UOC KP, there should be 12 bishops in the Synod, Filaret assured that “there will be 12 and even more”. However, he did not specify when the “ordination” of the following “bishops” was planned.
In addition, the head of the Kiev Patriarchate Filaret stressed that the UOC KP is an independent, including from the OCU, “Church”.
Also, “Patriarch” of Kiev stated that “we dissociate ourselves from this so-called OCU”. According to him, all decisions of the OCU do not concern the UOC KP: "Their decisions do not concern us."
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the "Holy Synod" of OCU took away the Kiev "eparchy" from Filaret.
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.