Since the beginning of a full-scale Russian invasion, 120 clergymen of the Moscow Patriarchate joined the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
This was stated by the Primate of the OCU, Metropolitan Epifaniy, in a speech at the Council of Bishops on May 24, according to the OCU press service.
“Since the start of Russia’s great aggression towards Ukraine, approximately 400 religious communities, 120 clergymen, and two monasteries under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate have joined the OCU. Why am I saying ‘approximately’? In drafting this report, we have collected relevant data in the dioceses, but it’s constantly updated: reports come daily of religious communities holding meetings and passing decisions to break from dependence on the Russian Church,” said the Primate.
According to Metropolitan Epifaniy, the total number of OCU communities is now about 7,600, with nearly 4,900 clergy serving.
