UOC Synod assesses Phanar's violation of the Church conciliarity principle

Primate of the UOC at a meeting of the Holy Synod in the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, 12.05.21. Photo: news.church.ua

At a meeting on May 12, 2021, the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church examined the Phanar's violations of the principle of conciliarity of the Church through unilateral interference in ecclesiastic affairs of Ukraine and the erroneous interpretation of certain rules of the IV Ecumenical Council by representatives of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. This was reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

Given that this year marks 1970 years since the Apostolic Council in Jerusalem was held and the 1570th anniversary of the IV Ecumenical Council, which initiated the conciliar solution of important issues in church life and adopted a number of important doctrinal and canonical decisions, the Holy Synod of the UOC instructed Kyiv Theological Academy to hold inter-Orthodox events for theological and canonical understanding of the issues of conciliarity and primacy in the Orthodox Church.

“Special attention will be focused on the theological, canonical and historical interpretation of Canon 28 of the IV Ecumenical Council. Representatives of Local Orthodox Churches will be involved in these events,” the message says.

The UOJ also wrote that the Synod of the UOC approved the formation of three new monasteries and made a decision on a congress of monasticism of the UOC at the Holy Dormition Pochayiv Lavra.

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.