Synod of ROC: ‘unauthorized’ status change may bring new split in UOC-MP

This is reported by Orthodox Life.

After discussing the development of the situation after the Local Council of the UOC-MP held in Kyiv, the Synod of the Russian Church decided:

"Recall that the decision to change the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church can be made only within the framework of the canonical procedure, including the resolution of the Local Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Note that unauthorized actions to change the status of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church may lead to a new schism therein. The Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church also drew attention to this, which in its statement dated May 12, 2022, indicated that any discussions concerning the life of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church should take place within the canonical field and should not lead to new divisions in the Church," the resolution says.

Russian bishops also call on clergy and laity to pray for the preservation of church unity.