The Russian invasion of Ukraine, backed by Moscow Patriarch Kirill, weighs heavily on the decision. Still no reaction from the Russian Orthodox. Opportunities for osmosis between the Ukrainian Orthodox led by Onufry and the autocephalous Church in Kiev.
Rome (AsiaNews) - The synod of the Ukrainian Church headed by Metropolitan Onofry yesterday proclaimed its full autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate. Underlying the decision were differences over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which Onufry called "Cain's war".
Following the Kremlin's invasion on 24 February, many metropolitans, bishops and priests of the Ukrainian Church, which has been linked to the Russian Patriarchate for centuries, stopped mentioning the name of Moscow Patriarch Kirill, according to Orthodox tradition.
Yesterday's rupture is very serious on the pro-Russian Orthodox planet, and with unpredictable consequences for the Christian world. The synod presided over by Metropolitan Onufry issued a communiqué in which he declared that he could no longer accept Kirill's stance in support of the war, which damages the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Orthodox synod immediately proceeded to amend the statute of its Church to bring it into line with the proclaimed autonomy. So far, there has been no reaction either from the Moscow Patriarchate or Metropolitan Epifanios, head of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Church, faithful to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople.
On the back of these latest developments, many are wondering about a possible osmosis between the two Ukrainian Orthodox Churches. As well-informed sources from Kiev tell us, it will all depend on the ability of the two Orthodox primates to moderate their personal ambitions and selfishness, including the ownership of various properties, especially those of the newly formed "autonomous" Ukrainian Church.