Filaret Denysenko – “The Formation of the Unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church Will be on a Voluntary Basis”

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Liju Cherian  (Cheif Editor) –  OCP News Service – 13/10/18 

Kiev- Ukraine: Patriarch Filaret  Denysenko of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kiev Patriarchate (UOC- KP), in a press conference, stated that the formation of a United National Ukrainian Orthodox Chruch will purely on a voluntary basis, without force or violence. The Prelate said that he does not want any rebels inside the United Church.  “We want the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to be united not only externally, but in the spirit as well.  We need Prelates to serve the  Ukrainian people, defend the Ukrainian state from external enemies and who do not pave way for external interference”.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate Enters into Communion with UOC-KP and UAOC

He also stated that soon a Bishop Council will be held for the unification process, which will be attended by the bishops of the Kiev Patriarchate, bishops of Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC) and the bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) (whoever wish to be part of the unified Church). This will be the unifying Council, which will choose the Patriarch of the single united Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Then, it will be left to the decision of the Ecumenical Patriarch for the grading of the ‘Tomos of Autocephaly’ for the Ukrainian Church.

It was also reported that the bishops /dioceses of UOC-MP who do not wish join the Unified Orthodox Church will be treated as Exarch/Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church In Ukraine.

Source:
OCP News Service