Dumenko: UOC communities belong to the OCU, although they do not want it
Sergei (Epiphany) Dumenko, Patriarch Bartholomew and Petro Poroshenko. Photo: gov.ua
In an interview with Radio Svoboda, the head of the OCU, Sergei (Epiphany) Dumenko, stated that absolutely all communities in Ukraine, including those in the UOC, belong to the OCU.
Those who "do not recognize this reality," according to Dumenko, create a "certain canonical collapse." The fact that the believers of the UOC "temporarily want to belong to the ROC (as Dumenko calls the UOC – Ed.)" is "canonically wrong."
Speaking about the "transitions" of the UOC communities into its structure, Dumenko complained that "the situation has suspended a bit lately," and now there are only "isolated cases". But at the same time, he claims that it is wrong to call these transitions as transitions, because “they (UOC communities – Ed.) are actually based in Ukraine. Moreover, according to the decisions that were made by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, they all belong to the OCU."
Earlier, the head of the OCU said that there is a problem with the registration of religious communities in the country and insisted on the creation of a separate unit within the RSA.
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.