"In order to find a sustainable form of existence of Orthodoxy in Ukraine in the future, it is necessary to start a calm and open discussion about this issue with other local Churches. The longer we all together refuse such a discussion, the more complex the solution of this problem will be in the future"
The two most influential Orthodox Churches - one by number, the other by reputation - Ruska The Orthodox Church (RPC) and the Ecumenical Patriarchate are today in a serious conflict that shakes the entire Orthodox world. The most painful and complex situation exists in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UPC), which is (was) canonically linked to the RPC, and the Orthodox Church currently operate there. Ukraine (PCU), created after the Constantinople Patriarch Bartholomew issued a tomos on autocephaly in 2018. Former members of non-canonical churches were also included in the new church structure, which caused a strong shock in the Orthodox world, both in terms of method and consequences. Even today, the majority of local Orthodox Churches do not recognize the PCU.
Since the beginning of the war, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has distanced itself from Moscow. At the Parliament held on May 27, 2022, the UPC made changes to its Constitution, changing the name itself: the addition "Moscow Patriarchate" was removed from it. Relations with the Ecumenical Patriarchate were severed in 2018, and that decision was confirmed in 2022. At the same time, the Ukrainian authorities apply, to put it mildly, discriminatory measures to the UPC - their temples are taken away, and normal church life is seriously hampered.
How to get out of such a position? Is there a resolution to this deep crucifixion? Within the UPC itself, there are different attitudes and visions of possible exits. We talk about this and, in general, about nuances that we cannot see from the outside, with Archbishop Sylvester (Stoychev), rector of the Kyiv Spiritual Academy.
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