On December 15, marking the seventh anniversary of the Unification Council at St. Sophia Cathedral in 2018, clergy from the stavropegial and other parishes of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, previously under the jurisdiction of the UOC-MP, gathered to issue an appeal. They are calling on the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the UOC-MP to take an important step: to leave the Moscow Patriarchate and unite with the OCU. The signatories emphasize that this appeal is not meant to criticize but rather to encourage unity, rooted in the sacred principles affirmed by the Tomos of Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
"In light of the ongoing Russian aggression, maintaining any spiritual or institutional ties with the aggressor country poses not just a canonical issue, but also a profound pastoral and national tragedy. Currently, the only canonically recognized Mother Church in Ukraine is the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Ignoring this fact only exacerbates divisions within the country and plays into the hands of opposing forces," the appeal reads.
The document stresses the urgency of addressing this situation: "We cannot delay our canonical corrections or our separation from an ideology that endorses genocide. Continually waiting and seeking excuses for inaction only prolongs our spiritual isolation and undermines the unity of our people."
The signatories urge the bishops, clergy, and members of the UOC-MP to "fully grasp the weight of the moment and to take decisive and timely action towards uniting under a single Local Church. This step is essential to demonstrate their loyalty to Christ, His Church, and to Ukraine itself. It is only through this unity that we can achieve spiritual victory and uphold the integrity of our nation."
Appeal of the Assembly of Clergy of Stavropegial and Other Parishes of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine
Dear Eminences and Reverend Fathers, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
We, the clergy of the stauropegial and various parishes within the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, who were previously under the jurisdiction of the UOC before the pivotal decisions made during the Unification Council at St. Sophia in 2018, have come together on this momentous seventh anniversary of the Council. We aim to share our testimonies and engage in meaningful discussions about the significant challenges that confront Ukrainian Orthodoxy today. This appeal does not seek to cast judgment, but rather to foster unity among us. It is rooted in the sacred principles outlined in the Tomos of Autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, the canonical law of Universal Orthodoxy, and the resolutions passed during the Unification Council, as well as the Local and Bishops' Councils of the OCU. Additionally, we draw inspiration from the call for peace and truth expressed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine in his address to Metropolitan Onufriy on August 15, 2024.
Furthermore, we are motivated by our shared experiences within the family of the Local Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which reaffirms the righteousness of the path we advocate.
1. Canonical Reality Amidst Russia's War and Ideological Threat
The granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly in January 2019 marked a pivotal moment in our history, one that reshaped the canonical landscape of Ukraine. Born from the Unification Council held at Saint Sophia, this act from the Ecumenical Patriarchate restored justice and established in the Diptych the singular, Local Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Ukraine. The Tomos unequivocally affirms that "the Orthodox Church within Ukraine... shall henceforth and forever be canonically independent, autonomous, and autocephalous." This isn't just a declaration; it's a lasting reality that must be embraced by all Orthodox Christians in Ukraine.
Regrettably, many bishops and clergy of the structures that still align with the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC) have largely overlooked this historic opportunity for unity, declining the gracious invitation from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to participate in the Unification Council in 2018. In doing so, they have opted to perpetuate a schism, dismissing the heartfelt desires of the Ukrainian people for spiritual cohesion and proper canonical order. In light of the ongoing, full-scale Russian aggression, maintaining any spiritual or institutional ties with the aggressor nation poses a serious challenge — not only canonically but also as a profound pastoral and national crisis.
Today, the only canonically recognized Mother Church in Ukraine is the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. Ignoring this reality only exacerbates divisions within our land and serves the interests of those who oppose us. It's time to recognize our path towards unity and healing.
Today, we find ourselves in a pivotal moment where the integrity of our reality is challenged not just by internal divisions but also by brutal external forces. The Russian state continues its unjust and genocidal war against Ukraine, with the Moscow Patriarchate (ROC) serving as a troubling ally that promotes the dangerous ideology of the "Russian world." This ideology intertwines elements of ancient heresies, such as Manichaeism and Gnosticism, with the modern heretical teaching of ethnophyletism, fundamentally distorting the true teachings of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It even advocates for "holy war," thereby rationalizing aggression, violence, and murder. This destructive outlook has garnered condemnation from theologians, various international Christian organizations, and leaders from other Local Churches alike. The ramifications of the "Russian world" doctrine are stark and devastating. Since the era of Bolshevik oppression, Ukrainian Orthodoxy has faced unparalleled challenges. Hundreds of Orthodox churches have fallen victim to Russian bombardment, and countless priests and believers have lost their lives, all under the approval and encouragement of Kirill Gundyaev, head of the Russian Orthodox Church.
In these dire circumstances, as the very essence of our unique nation hangs in the balance, any attempt to maintain connections with the aggressor is not only a canonical tragedy but also poses profound spiritual and moral dilemmas. Regrettably, the episcopate and clergy of the UOC appear to be intent on fabricating a parallel reality, devising new frameworks and additional conditions to maintain ties with the ROC. It is imperative that we stand firm in our truth and justice during these challenging times.
2. Evidence of Genuine Change and Responsible Choice
In the face of increasing isolation, countless parishes and clergy who once belonged to the UOC, including ourselves, have made a bold and intentional decision. We have embraced the requirements of canon law and the Tomos of Autocephaly, uniting with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. This decision transcends mere jurisdictional change; it represents a profound internal transformation and a commitment to canonical correction.
As clergy who have willingly joined the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, we stand as a testament to our desire for peace, collaboration, and genuine inclusion within the Holy Church of Ukraine. We do not aim to instigate conflict or create parallel structures within the Local Church. Instead, we wish to embody the true essence of the Church, welcoming all who echo the call for unity. Our actions serve to highlight the path that every bishop, priest, and believer of the UOC should follow, particularly after higher leadership has overlooked the historic invitation for all-Ukrainian pan-Orthodox unity. We affirm that the doors of the Local Church remain open to all who are ready to accept canonical truth and move away from divisive influences that jeopardize both spiritual harmony and national security. Let us come together, united in purpose and faith.
3. The Future of Ukrainian Orthodoxy and a Demand for Timeliness
The future of Ukrainian Orthodoxy lies in our commitment to development, affirmation, and the ultimate unity within the Local Autocephalous Church of Ukraine. As His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy has wisely stated, "we are open to unification within the single Local Orthodox Church of Ukraine, as provided for by the canons and the Tomos." This road to unity is not just a possibility; it is a necessity grounded in our faith and tradition. We must unite with the Orthodox Christians in Ukraine who have not yet joined the OCU.
This historic moment, coupled with the tragedy of war, calls us to act without delay. We must not defer the necessary canonical corrections or remain aligned with ideologies that justify violence. It is time to put an end to the cycles of inaction that only further divide us. Each day spent in division deepens the wounds of spiritual isolation and undermines our collective unity. We earnestly appeal to the episcopate, clergy, and devoted faithful of the UOC to grasp the significance of this moment. We urge you to take bold and timely steps towards establishing a single Local Church, demonstrating your commitment to Christ, His Church, and our beloved Ukraine. This is our path to spiritual triumph and the unity of our people.
May the Lord bless our Local Church and the Ukrainian people!
With heartfelt respect and love in Christ,
The clergy of the Stavropegial and other parishes of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, formerly under the jurisdiction of the UOC, before the Unification Council.
Kyiv, December 15, 2025