UOC Comments on the Statement of the Head of the UOC of Canada on Creation of United National Church of Ukraine

Patriarch Bartholomew has repeatedly stated that the issue of religious divisions can be resolved only in line with canonical norms and the only way to overcome the schism of Ukrainian Orthodoxy can only be a return to the Church of those who have dissented from it.

As reported by the of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, this comment of the head of the Information Department of the UOC, Bishop of Irpin Clement (Vecherya) followed the statement of the Primate of the UOC of Canada, Metropolitan George (Kalischuk) that the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople will make every effort for to create a united national church.

In particular, the Canadian Patriarch said so during his recent visit to on the occasion of the millennium of the demise of the Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostle.

"First, the status of Metropolitan George is quite ambiguous in the Orthodox world. In addition, Patriarch Bartholomew himself can express his position on the role of the Constantinople Patriarchate in resolving the crisis related to the division of Ukrainian Orthodoxy ", - Bishop Clement said.

According to him, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kiev Patriarchate has repeatedly stated that they do not want to become part of the Constantinople Patriarchate and thus lose the possibility to claim independence.

"In addition, the UOC of Canada and the USA have much less canonical status within the Patriarchate of Constantinople than our Church under the Moscow Patriarchate", - stressed the head of the Information Department of the UOC.

As previously reported, in July this year the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church refused to unite with the UOC-KP.

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