ROC avoids subordinating Crimean diocese to retain its impact on UOC (MP)
The main objective of the ROC is not to aggravate the situation but keep the UOC (MP) under its control. This opinion was expressed by a sociologist of religion, author of the book titled “Russian Orthodox Church. Status and Problems” Mykola Mytrokhin on Radio Krym.Realiyi.
“Keep the Ukrainian part of the ROC at least nominally in its orbit, because it gives the ROC its size and importance in the system of universal Orthodoxy. Therefore, the strategic policy is not making the situation worse in many ways. For this reason, Crimean diocese remains subordinate to Kyiv and not separated and transferred to Moscow,” Mytrokhin believes.
According to him, Moscow is trying every possible way to deal with the ‘drift’ of a part of the Ukrainian clergy toward full independence. It is making all efforts in order not to strengthen the position of forces that aspire to autonomy of the UOC (MP).
“In order not give an extra reason to Ukrainian state to apply any kind of forceful actions towards the UOC (MP). Because the Church is on a border, where serious government measures to ensure its independence can begin. Simply put, some bishops may be deported, and everything can happen,” he said.
Crimean publication “Primechaniya” issued on March 9 the documents of the Russian Department of Property and Land Relations in Sevastopol. According to these data, the Russian Church was allocated eight plots of land in the best areas of Sevastopol. Their area ranges from 18 hundredth to one and a half hectares. All areas are given in free use of a church for 9 years, though obviously the churches built on free land will not be demolished. Sevastopol authorities allowed the construction of not only religious buildings, but the buildings for charitable purposes. For example, paid hotels for pilgrims.
Official representatives of the Crimean Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) and local authorities have not made any comments regarding this information
