Unfounded Hopes. The Moscow Church in Ukraine Refuses to Break Ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

UOC-MP Hierarchs Did Not Reach a Decision on Severing Ties with the Russian Orthodox Church

After the liturgy held on the occasion of the third anniversary of the Cathedral in Feofaniya, during an internal meeting of the UOC-MP hierarchs, no consensus was reached regarding a possible break with the Russian Orthodox Church and sending an invitation to the heads of other Local Churches to recognize the autocephaly of the UOC-MP. This was reported by religious scholar Serhiy Shumylo on his Facebook.

«Many hoped that perhaps on the third anniversary a decision would be made regarding the exit from the Russian Orthodox Church and the recognition of the autocephaly of the UOC, – wrote Shumylo. – But this Time the expectations were unfulfilled. To Moscow's delight».

The religious scholar noted that proposals to start a dialogue with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and an official appeal to other Local Churches regarding the recognition of the UOC's autocephaly did not receive support.

Metropolitan Feodosius and the Issue of UOC-MP Autocephaly

During the meeting, Metropolitan Feodosius (Snihiryov) expressed the position of loyalty to the Moscow Patriarchate on behalf of the «group of hierarchs and clergy» of the UOC-MP, known for its pro-Russian views. At the same time, the hierarchs who support full autocephaly of the UOC remained in the minority, while the majority refrained from expressing a position. Metropolitan Alexy (Shpakov) emphasized that the church declared its independence in 2022, and Bishop Onuphrius has already stated his intention to sever ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

The situation with the decision of the meeting may complicate the dialogue between churches and become the cause of new conflicts on this issue.