By Efi Efthimiou
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC – Moscow Patriarchate) has formally announced its refusal to comply with legislation adopted by the Ukrainian authorities that seeks to sever its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. The decision was communicated in a letter from the head of the UOC, Metropolitan Onufriy, to the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).
On 17 July, DESS sent a letter to the UOC outlining five specific requirements within the framework of implementing Law 3894, which bans the operation of religious organizations affiliated with Russia. The deadline for compliance was set for August 18.
In essence, the Ukrainian authorities demanded that Metropolitan Onufriy withdraw the UOC from the structure of the Russian Orthodox Church and to annul all provisions of the ROC Statute. He was also instructed to recall all UOC clergy and monks participating in the Holy Synod of the Russian Church, as well as in its Episcopal and Local Synods and other administrative bodies. In addition, the authorities called on him to declare invalid the decisions taken by ROC governing bodies concerning the annexation of UOC provinces and the appointment of their hierarchs by the Russian Orthodox Church. Finally, Metropolitan Onufriy was asked to issue, either orally or in writing, a statement of disagreement with his appointment to ROC governing bodies and to draft a formal declaration severing ties with the Moscow Patriarchate.
In his response, Metropolitan Onufriy avoids addressing the central issue raised by the Ukrainian authorities: the ongoing connection of the Church he leads with the Moscow Patriarchate. Instead, he speaks of “deliberate misinterpretation of facts and artificial ascription of characteristics not possessed by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”
He emphasizes that from the outset of the Russian invasion the UOC condemned the war and has actively supported both the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the wider population. He also highlights in detail the humanitarian aid provided by the Church. At the same time, Metropolitan Onufriy contends that the provisions set out in the July 17 letter from DESS constitute an unacceptable interference into the internal life of the Church.
“They are manipulative in its nature and absolutely far from objectivity and the realities in which the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is (…) They are fictitious, have no relation to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and therefore cannot be accepted,” he declares.
What is regrettable, however, is that at no point in his letter does Metropolitan Onufriy clarify his stance on the specific issues raised by DESS concerning the relationship of the UOC with the Russian Orthodox Church.
This omission, combined with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statement during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump about the need to protect “the Russian Church in Ukraine” (a clear reference to the UOC as part of the ROC) leaves little room for ambiguity regarding the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
With this letter, Metropolitan Onufriy had the opportunity to clearly proclaim the independence of the UOC from the Russian Church and to begin the process of securing its canonical status within global Orthodoxy, since there is no “independent” Church that is not also autocephalous.
Instead, hhe chose to remain silent on the most pressing questions, thereby deepening the controversy surrounding both his leadership and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
