Clergy of Uman Diocese (UOC-MP) raise over Archbishop’s informal fees

On November 17, a diocesan meeting is to be held in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Cathedral of Uman (Cherkasy region),UmanDiocese of the UOC (MP).

The clergymen are going to make decision regardingfurther relationships with the Diocesan bishop - Archbishop Panteleimon (Baschuk).

The meeting, which will begin at 10:00, will be attended by representatives of the Commission of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). It was established as early as on April 25, 2013 to consider the conflict situation in the diocese. The commission was appointed by Metropolitan Onufriy(Berezovskyy), but it is unlikely he will attend the meeting.

As the correspondent of "Religion in Ukraine" website found out, about 30 priests of the diocese appealed to the head of the UOC (MP) to the dismiss Archbishop Panteleimon (Baschuk) of Uman and Zvenihorod from the office. Ordinary clergymenimputenon-canonical activities to their Archpastor.

For the first time the conflict in UmanDiocese of the UOC (MP) became public in 2013, when one of the priests –Fr. Stefan Domashovets revolted against the exactions of the diocesan leadership. As a result, Bishop Panteleimonbanned the priest from service. However, the upheaval in the diocese did not cease.

The current meeting must put an end to the diocesan conflict. The final decision is to be made by the Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), which set up the commission.