Can the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kiev Patriarchate be recognized as canonical? And what is the price to pay?

Patriarch Filaret

Tamar Lomidze – Los Angeles – California -7/12/15

For 23 years, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate has been trying to achieve the recognition and to consolidate the Ukrainian believers. Finally, in September the Convocation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople gave the hope for soon resolution of this issue.

During the meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew discussed with Metropolitan Anthony (Szczerba) and Yuri (Kalischuk), Bishops Daniel (Zelinsky), Hilarion (Rudyk) and Andrew (Peshko) the position of Orthodoxy in Ukraine and clearly indicated that the division can be overcome only under the patronage and mediation of Constantinople.

Besides, American billionaire and philanthropist G.Soros met the head of information division and the permanent member of the Holy Synod of the UOC KP Eustratius (Zorya) during his visit to Kiev. Many users of social networks and forums assumed that the subject of their conversation could be the attitude to LGBTI in Ukraine. It was noted that Mr. Soros could suggest assistance in obtaining the canonical status of the UOC KP in a response to mitigation of the church’s position regarding sexual minorities and legal protection of their rights. Indeed, archbishop Eustratius hadn’t spoken a word about the “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” as legal concepts since the meeting till assumptions became viral!

Moreover, some Ukrainian Orthodox Christians have the apprehension of Eustratius Zorya’s possible appointment as Kiev Patriarch instead of Filaret. And the validity of these concerns was confirmed by the fact that the meeting with the representative of the UOC KP was appointed by Soros not by chance, but on the recommendation of Constantinople Patriarchate Metropolitan of Prussia (Constantinople Patriarchate) Elpidofor Lambriniadis.

I wonder what do authorities of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches around the globe think about the situation in question?

Source:
Independent