The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has officially refused to comply with the order of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS). This order required the church to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) within 30 days. In a letter signed by Metropolitan Onufriy, the Kyiv Metropolia announced its decision to reject the demand made by the state agency.
On August 27, the DESS made a decision to recognize the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC as affiliated with the ROC, whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine. According to Viktor Yelensky, Chairman of the DESS, the investigation found four out of seven indicators of affiliation: documentary evidence of the UOC's subordination to the ROC, adherence to the Moscow center's instructions, and the participation of the UOC's primate in the governing bodies of the ROC.
"The order did not require the UOC to change its liturgical language or traditions; it solely addressed the need to withdraw from the ROC," Viktor Yelensky emphasized in a comment to DW.
Now, all religious organizations associated with the Kyiv Metropolia — 154 structures across the country, as well as government authorities and the State Property Fund, will receive notification of the official recognition of this affiliation. This will lead to the termination of lease agreements for state and municipal properties used by the UOC.
The next step will involve a court action. The DESS is preparing to file a complaint with the Kyiv District Administrative Court and bring a lawsuit demanding that the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC cease its operations as a legal entity.
“Essentially, this will seek to liquidate the UOC's status as a legal entity. However, parishioners will retain the right to pray and gather for worship,” Viktor Yelensky clarified.