German Diocese of ROCOR: We remain under ROC jurisdiction

In an interview with the Youtube channel Der Bote ROKA Deutschland, Bishop Job (Bandmann) of Stuttgart, vicar of the Berlin and German Diocese of the ROCOR, said that the churches of the German diocese have not stopped commemorating Patriarch Kirill. 

"The ROCOR is an autonomous part of the ROC, we commemorate the Patriarch in services to express the unity of the Russian Church, but this should not be confused with political support or support for a personal position...," Bishop Job said.

"We do not entirely agree with the Patriarch's position, but the Western media give a distorted view of his position. It is not true that the Patriarch consecrates weapons for war and supports the idea of 'Russian peace' for territories outside Russia. Indeed, the Patriarch sees the current war in Ukraine in the context of a cultural clash between the East and the West and, in particular a clash of Eastern and Western values," the ROCOR bishop added.

As reported, a cleric of the UOC published a study about the small homeland of the deceased head of the ROCOR.

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.