Met. Clement: I wish the state did not avoid direct dialogue with the UOC

The head of the Synodal Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Clement, in a commentary to the Strana online publication, expressed regret over the message from the presidential press secretary that Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not plan to meet with members of the Holy Synod of the UOC.

“We are very sorry that the state avoids direct contact and direct dialogue with a significant part of Ukrainian society – the believers of the UOC,” said the bishop. “We are very sorry that the state articulates absolutely distorted facts about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Church is accused of all sins, and at the same time it is deprived of any opportunity to explain its position and do everything to develop a harmonious dialogue and constructive cooperation between the Church and the state.”

Vladyka stressed that the hierarchy of the UOC would “continue endeavors to make the authorities hear their citizens."

“The highest bearer of power in Ukraine is the people, including the believers of the UOC, who today are in the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, their families, as well as many other conscious patriots of our state, whose religious feelings are bluntly slurred with statements and attitudes of the Ukrainian authorities,” the archpastor noted.

As the UOJ reported, Metropolitan Clement said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not receive truthful information about the UOC.