Dumenko to Filaret: I thought we would cooperate as with honorary patriarch
Dumenko wished Filaret to make "the right decisions" at the end of his life. Photo: Glavkom
The head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, sent his teacher Filaret a congratulatory letter on the occasion of his 95th birthday. The letter was published on Eustratiy Zoria’s Facebook page.
According to Dumenko, the OCU recognises Filaret's contribution to the establishment of the structure, the organisation and holding of the "Unification Council" and receiving the Tomos.
At the same time, he spoke of his unfulfilled "hopes" to cooperate with Filaret as an "honorary patriarch" expecting Denisenko to support him in strengthening autocephaly.
"Unfortunately, you chose a different path – the one that seemed right to you at the time. But a path that neither the fullness of the Church nor Ukrainian society accepted or will accept, which has become clear and obvious over these years," Dumenko said.
He complained about the "pain and sorrow caused to the Church and the people by the bitter consequences of the mentioned choice" and wished Filaret to make "the right decisions for the sake of peace and unity of the Church" at the end of his life's journey.
Earlier, Filaret said that those whom he raised betrayed him and spat in his face.
Read also
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.
Catholic Host of 'Roots of Orthodoxy' Says Orthodox Apologists are 'Disgusting', 'Trash'
"You Orthodox apologists are absolutely freaking disgusting," Cabada said. "You're a disgusting human being. You're trash. I'm not scared to say that."
Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'
Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.
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.