Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate should lead the interchurch dialogue with both Orthodox churches in Ukraine, Metropolitan Olexander Drabynko

Metropolitan of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate Olexander (Drabynko) believes that their church should lead the interchurch dialogue with both Orthodox churches in Ukraine – Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate.

So he commented on the decision of the recent Synod of the UOC (MP) to restore the unification dialogue with the UAOC, reports Ukrinform.

"The decision of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) on the resumption of dialogue with the UAOC allegedly proves that the deadlock has shifted. But the format of the dialogue is also important. What we mean by dialogue between our Church and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church? Search for common competitor or finding common way to church’s unity? In terms of protecting the interests of our denominations, unity with UAOC against UOC KP would be a beneficial tactical. But we have to remember that in the Church there is a law which is opposite to the egoistic laws by which the world lives, "- says Bishop Olexander.

Metropolitan UOC (MP) also said he did not understand why to conduct a dialogue only with the UAOC instead of the UOC-KP or both simultaneously. If the dialogue begins, we must speak with anyone who walked away from church unity, he says.