OCU priest: Movement within UOC-MP to sever moscow ties gains momentum

A significant movement is emerging within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) to sever its longstanding ties with moscow.

Heorhii Kovalenko, an OCU priest, philosopher, and Rector of the Open Orthodox University of Saint Sophia the Wisdom, highlighted this development during a briefing at Media Center Ukraine.

“We are witnessing a strong movement within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the moscow Patriarchate aimed at ultimately breaking its connection with moscow,” Kovalenko said. “The recently enacted legislation is expected to facilitate this shift, though some legal processes and court proceedings will only begin in a few months. This has slowed the pace somewhat, as some clergy and parishioners within the moscow Patriarchate remain hopeful that their leadership will heed the voices of the faithful and take the necessary steps to sever ties with moscow.”

Kovalenko emphasized that the process is unfolding on multiple fronts. “It is an unstoppable movement, though many wish it would move faster. However, the church is inherently conservative and slow-moving. We must approach these developments with patience and respect,” he added.

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