Orthodox theologian deacon Andrei Kuraev advises Moscow to grant autocephaly to UOC (MP) in order not to lose everything

Russian Orthodox writer and theologian Deacon Andrei Kuraev advises to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), because sooner or later the ROC will lose Ukraine,and now it hasan opportunity to negotiate acceptable terms, he writes in a LiveJournal post.

“Autocephaly of the UOC is a chance for the Moscow Patriarchate,” he says.

“In a year the Pan-Orthodox Council is to be held in Constantinople. One of the expected resolutions is the adoption of the document regarding the procedure for granting autocephaly. The draft text suggests that such granting is no longer a prerogative of the autocephalous ‘Mother Church’, which disassociatesher part. Now the consent of all the Churches and above all of Constantinople will be required,” argues deacon Kuraev.

While there are no such terms, in his opinion, Moscow might grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate).

"This way they could negotiate good terms,” adds Kuraev. “For example:

- Boundaries of the UOC;

- Decision-making procedure for each diocese, monastery or parish regarding their status;

- Status and list of Moscow Stauropegic monasteries on the territory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church;

- The right to appeal to the Patriarch of Moscow as the highest court;

- The right of Moscow Patriarch to send representatives to attend the KyivanSynod in its making of critical decisions.

The last two points are envisaged in the Tomos of autocephaly given by Constantinople to the Church of Czech lands and Slovakia.

Stabilization of the current situation and the policy on the principle of “all or none” could result in losing “all”. One should be able to retreat with dignity (like England from Australia) and not run away (like Gorbachev from Eastern Europe).”