Andriy Yurash: Unity of UOC-KP and UAOC to benefit both state and society
The unification of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church -Kyiv Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church will bring dividends to both society and state.
Religion scholar and Director of the Department of Religious and Ethnic Affairs under the Ministry of Culture Andriy Yurash expressed this idea in a comment to IA ZIK.
He noted that the need for unification of these churches has been stated since the time of separation. No one questions the process – neither the Moscow Patriarchate nor Kyiv nor the UAOC.
"Recently, due to events in the country, credibility of the UOC Kyiv Patriarchate has significantly grown. There is a kind of social "request" and even public pressure. The state also understand the weight and importance of reunion, and is therefore ready to facilitate this process, bringing the unificationissue to the level of national idea,” the expert says.
He believes another important factor in the process of unification to beinvolvementof Ukrainian Orthodox jurisdictions abroad who are in canonical unity with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
“But I would not exaggerate the historical implications. Even inside the Autocephalous Church there are many who do not accept a model of unity with Kyiv Patriarchate as unique leader.
The Autocephalous Church cannot understand the social importance of this issue, both that it is not a beneficial for stateto tolerate separation now, and the fact that Constantinople advocates this unification. These factors can facilitate unification. This is a normal process that will bring dividends to society and state,” Andriy Yurash concluded.
Note that June 8, at a meeting of the joint committee on unification of the UOC-KP and the UAOC an agreement was reached on unification of the two churches and the joint Council.
It was suggested that this council is held on September 14, the church new year. The venue is the historical center of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - St. Sophia Cathedral.
