Khmelnytskyi bishop: Authorities want to merge us with OCU, canons ignored
Archbishop Viktor (Kotsaba). Photo: a screenshot of the “Tetiana Tsaruk Channel. In Search of the Truth".
The Ukrainian authorities want to create a united local Church, but they don't take into account the church's canons," said Archbishop Viktor, the ruling bishop of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy, in an interview with the "Tetiana Tsaruk. In Search of the Truth".
"The authorities in their own way see how to unite Ukrainian Orthodoxy, to create a single local Church. But they do not take into account important canonical aspects on which church life is built," the bishop said.
According to him, the UOC is ready for dialogue, but on the terms outlined by the Council of Feofaniya.
"There are established canonical postulates that cannot be crossed. Because if we overstep them, the faithful people will not support us. Moreover, other Local Churches will not support us," the bishop said and reminded that the majority, 11 churches, recognize as the legitimate the Church of Ukraine which is headed by Metropolitan Onuphry.
According to him, the foundation of Ukrainian Orthodoxy must necessarily include the canonical order of the Church. Only then will the Church in Ukraine endure until the end of time.
Earlier the UOJ wrote that the UOC revealed whether the SBU had initiated the Feofaniya Council.
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.