State Ethnopolitics Head says why the UOC is not controlled from Moscow

Olena Bogdan, head of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience explained that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is autocephalous and is not governed by the ROC. This was reported by the Espresso TV channel in its Telegram channel.

“In an official letter, Metropolitan Onuphry clearly indicated that the UOC is no longer guided by the decisions of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church, and officially announced its dissociation from the Moscow Patriarchate. We understand that the interest of the FSB in the UOC remains and caution is needed. The only connection that exists in the documents of the UOC with the ROC is a reference to the letter of Alexy, which indicates the communion with Ecumenical Orthodoxy through the ROC. The Kyiv Metropolis of the UOC explains that this communion does not mean that the former’s actions will be coordinated or agreed on with the ROC,” Bohdan stressed.

As the UOJ wrote, earlier Elena Bogdan explained that only believers can decide the fate of the UOC temples.

Read also

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.

UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention

Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.

Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda

The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.

Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds

A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.

ROCOR Subdeacon Invites Rep. Joe Wilson to Divine Liturgy

Gregory Levitsky is a constituent of the congressman and called him to “repent of false witness.”

U.S. Reps. Show Solidarity with Plight of UOC

As part of the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco’s Day of Action on Capitol Hill, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) gave pointed remarks during a press conference.