Old Believers' community in Bukovyna quits Moscow Metropolis jurisdiction

The Old Believers' Community of Chernivtsi declared the withdrawal from the Moscow Metropolis subordination. This was reported to Ukrinform correspondent by Serhiy Bukharov, Chief Specialist of the Department for Protection of Cultural Heritage, Nationalities and Religions of Chernivtsi Regional State Administration.

“The Old Believers' religious community, whose church is located on Oleh Koshovyi Str. in Chernivtsi, officially announced a decision to withdraw from the Moscow Metropolis of the Russian Old Believers Church and took away from its name and statute any mention of the aggressor country. Now this community will act autonomously,» Bukharov said.

This is the first city-based religious community that officially announced this decision and filed a statement, the official said.

“This community’s desire was preceded by the decision of the clerical center of the Russian Federation to depose Fr Leontiy. Contrary to Russia's will, he continued to serve in the church despite threats of excommunication. The regional council of churches stood for Fr Leontiy, he was supported by all denominations,” Bukharov reported.

On December 19, the first community of Chernivtsi Oblast moved from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate to the one Local Church of Ukraine.