A Humble Call for Unity of Orthodoxy in Ukraine

28.10.2010, 15:45
The Ukrainian Orthodoxy is now divided into UOC- MP, UOC-KP, UAOC and UOC-Cannonical, where UOC – MP remains the only Canonical Church. Dialogues are being initiated between UOC-MP and UOC- KP which has generated some hope. UAOC have also taken steps by sending request to Ecumenical Patriarchate in order to get accepted into the canonical league which is well and good.

It is indeed sad that the Orthodox Churches in Ukraine are split into different denominations. Am not going into the history of the conflicts., rather I will try to discuss some ‘practical steps’ to find solutions to end schism in Ukrainian Orthodoxy.

The Ukrainian Orthodoxy is now divided into UOC- MP, UOC-KP, UAOC and UOC-Cannonical, where UOC – MP remains the only Canonical Church. Dialogues are being initiated between UOC-MP and UOC- KP which has generated some hope. UAOC have also taken steps by sending request to Ecumenical Patriarchate in order to get accepted into the canonical league which is well and good.

Effects of Schism

The politics and unhealthy competition between Orthodox Churches have resulted in ‘ double advantage’ for other groups like UGCC and protestant denominations. It has been reported that large number of protestant groups are emerging in Ukraine, which is traditionally an Orthodox hub. Due to schism several families in Ukraine are divided. People find themselves in serious trouble with worship and hence protestants find it a good pasture to ‘Evangelize’. Even UGCC is benefiting a lot from the schism. UGCC finds this a good opportunity to pull ropes to get it recognized as one of the ‘National Churches’ in Ukraine. It is not UGCC alone but the dream of all Eastern Catholic Rites to get recognized as the ‘National’ Church in the respective country since all Eastern Catholics have serious identity crisis, they are neither Roman nor Orthodox. The recent move by UGCC to construct a Cathedral in Odessa is part of this hidden agenda.

Orthodox Churches in Ukraine are very much responsible to preserve the faith and safeguard the loss of flocks to heretic teachings. But how far is this possible with divisions among Orthodox Churches? The priority should be given to Orthodoxy, the one holy catholic apostolic church of Lord Jesus Christ. Orthodoxy and its value should be preserved. “Put Orthodoxy first and not personal agenda or political interests” . It is the duty of the Church to preserve Orthodoxy in Ukraine.

Practical Thinking

First of all a National Council for Orthodox Churches should be formed in Ukraine, an exclusive council to deal with the issues of Orthodoxy. The council should have equal participation of all Orthodox churches in Ukraine. A good office structure shall be developed with mutual cooperation. The council shall be responsible for holding dialogues between Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. The Moscow Patriarchate and Ecumenical Patriarchate should have representation in the Council. The council is not to be dominated by a single Church, but should be a stage for the equal participation and cooperation between all Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. The National Orthodox Council should also involve Oriental Orthodox Churches (Non-Chalcedonian Orthodox Churches) in Ukraine( Eg The Armenian Orthodox Church in Ukraine).

The Canonical Issue

As mentioned earlier UOC-MP is the only canonical Church in Ukraine. It would be highly recommendable that Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Moscow Patriarchate recognize the canonical status of the rest of the two Orthodox churches ie, there shall be three canonical Orthodox Churches in Ukraine, UOC-MP, UOC-KP, UAOC, which shall be in full communion with Ecumenical Patriarchate, Moscow Patriarchate and rest of the Orthodox Churches. Allow internal autonomy for for each Church. None shall interfere in the internal matter of others church. Common discussions and decelerations shall be made via the National Council.

Recognizing UOC-KP and UAOC will not be compromise by the Moscow Patriarchate, but it will definitely strengthen the position and presence of Orthodoxy in Ukraine. Hence the three canonical Orthodox Churches can also safeguard their own interest. All existing positions of the hierarchy and clergy in each Church can be retained in the present manner. So there is no fear of compromise on position nor power.

A protocol shall be signed between EP, MP, UOC-MP, UOC-KP, UAOC to ensure present and future aspects of Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. The protocol shall include all details regarding canonical status, defined areas of operation, manner to solve conflicts (present and future), encouraging inter-Orthodox collaborations, titles of each primate, jurisdiction etc . The National Orthodox Council of Ukraine shall deal with common ecumenical matters pertaining to Orthodox Churches in Ukraine. The National council shall also involve non-chalcedonain Orthodox churches in Ukraine (Eg .Armenian Orthodox Church).

“Experience the power of United Orthodox Witness”

If UOC-KP, UAOC are willing to enter EP as Metropolitan Churches they shall be allowed for the same or they can enter canonical Orthodox in the present status. UOC-KP as a Patriarchal Church and UAOC as a Metropolitan Church. It is an agreement within disagreement, a dialogue for unity with freedom and prosperity. Here unity does not mean amalgamation of one church into another nor imposing force on any Church to subjugate them. Extra care should be exercised not to hurt the feelings of your counterpart while having dialogue.

Every Church has her own individual interest, which is well and good. But such interest should not hinder the unity of Orthodoxy. It should not challenge, prosecute nor overrule Orthodoxy, which is the One, Holy , Catholic Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ. Such interest should result in promoting unity and fraternal relations between Orthodox Churches. It is not Pope of Rome nor the WCC should decide for Orthodoxy, but we Orthodox should decide for ourself, our future. We should not allow Ecumenism to swallow Orthodox unity and faith!!!


If we can have dialogues with WCC, Rome, cooperate with heterodox and drink coffee together, why cant we have dialogues with our Orthodox brethren?

As an Orthodox Christian I know that people are well aware of what I have written, especially the Church hierarchy and are well informed and know better than me on these issues. I have not visited Russia nor Ukraine, but it is out of my love for Orthodoxy I have written this article. I belong to the Indian Orthodox Church. But I have seen and experienced the bitterness of schisms, administrative and power conflicts between the Syrian and Indian Orthodox Churches. Let us not repeat the mistake again. Orthodox unity is the need of the hour, let us stand united.

George ALEXANDER

28 October 2010 The Orthodox Church