The Russian Orthodox Church not only inspires the killers of Ukrainians but also participates directly in these killings. This is why the said church has been banned in Ukraine, and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been instructed to sever ties with the ROC.
This was noted in an interview with Radio Culture by Viktor Yelensky, head of the State Service of Ukraine on Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS).
According to him, the decree created confusion within the church environment of the UOC-MP.
"For many months, and possibly years, rumors circulated that the Ukrainian state intended to require the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to renounce Orthodoxy, adopt a new calendar, switch from Church Slavonic to Ukrainian, become part of another church, vote arbitrarily for autocephaly, and much more. In reality, the decree only requires the UOC to break away from the Russian Orthodox Church — nothing more. This has led to misunderstandings among many church leaders who were misled by these myths, believing they were targeted for destruction or asked to renounce Orthodoxy," stated Viktor Yelensky.
He also mentioned that some members of the UOC-MP equate the church organization of the ROC-MP with Jesus Christ.
"In a recent Sunday sermon, one hierarch even claimed that we are being asked to betray Christ. This implies that he equates the church organization of the Moscow Patriarchate with our Lord Jesus Christ. However, the majority of the congregation would like to see clear guidelines that do not mention betrayal or abuse of conscience. The focus should be on breaking ties with the Moscow Patriarchate."
The head of the DESS pointed out that many clergy are leaving the UOC-MP.
"There are numerous priests who express that if you, Your Beatitude or Your Eminence, lack sufficient theological training, we are willing to help you understand why, from both an evangelical and ecclesiastical-canonical perspective, the UOC cannot remain part of the ROC, which has violated not only evangelical principles but also universal moral standards."
When asked about the future of the UOC-MP if it decides to sever ties with the ROC-MP, Viktor Yelensky assured that the state cannot force them to join the OCU; that decision must be made by the church itself.
"The Orthodox Church of Ukraine will have its recognized place within the Diptychs after receiving the Tomos from the Patriarchate of Constantinople. And the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) will determine its own direction. This Church is large, with numerous priests and bishops, many of whom question why they should continue under the Moscow Patriarchate. The UOC will organize its structure, including its canonical aspects, in a manner that it considers most suitable. It is evident that this will likely involve some form of relationship with Constantinople, especially since they broke Eucharistic communion under pressure from Moscow. In fact, it was quite disheartening when Patriarch Kirill stated: “Your Holiness, we will now decide what to do with Constantinople and get back to you,” which he communicated via video link. Following this, the UOC severed Eucharistic communion with the Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as with Alexandria, Greece, and Cyprus. However, how they proceed is ultimately their own decision.
Currently, the DESS has yet to receive a response from the UOC-MP regarding the demands for a break with the ROC-MP.
"The Kyiv Archeparchy has time to formulate this response. If the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church takes over a month to leave the Russian Orthodox Church, as well as the synodal commissions and the inter-council presence, then a justified appeal will allow for an additional 60 days. In other words, if it is necessary to convene a Bishops' or Local Council and more time is needed, then this can certainly be granted," emphasized Viktor Yelensky.
According to him, public posts and sermons from representatives of the UOC-MP suggest that there is an ongoing discussion about severing ties with the MP.
"Some priests and contributors on social media advocate for this change, arguing that the state does not impose any burdensome requirements on our conscience. Conversely, others insist that ties should not be severed under any circumstances. Thus, it is evident that there is ongoing discussion within the Church regarding this matter. However, to truly understand the intensity, dynamics, and depth of this discussion, we need to engage with individuals within the Church," Yelensky stated.
He also mentioned that he occasionally receives inquiries from pro-Ukrainian hierarchs and priests. They "believe that the Church must unequivocally disconnect from Moscow and send a clear signal to society."
“What we have witnessed is a significant conflict between this Church and Ukrainian society. When society receives the message that this is indeed the Church of the Ukrainian people, many issues will be largely resolved,” emphasized Viktor Yelensky.
Earlier, the DESS issued an order to the Kyiv Archeparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate to eliminate legal violations by August 18.
“Based on findings indicating the Kyiv Archeparchy’s affiliation with a foreign religious organization whose activities are prohibited in Ukraine, an order has been issued to rectify violations of the legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations,” the DESS stated in a release.
The Compliance order on the elimination of violations of legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations can be found here: ORDER to eliminate violations of the legislation on freedom of conscience and religious organizations.