In an interview with the Spiritual Front of Ukraine, Archimandrite Kyrylo Hovorun, an acclaimed theologian, explained how it could be possible to build a dialogue between the OCU and the UOC-MP, and what is needed to this end.
“The idea of dialogue is based on rejecting the dichotomy of ‘us’ and ‘them.’ It seems to me that during the meeting at the Sophia of Kyiv, where the OCU and UOC-MP priests gathered, this dichotomy was tackled. I proposed the following path for such a dialogue. First, you should agree on the terms of the dialogue. The only condition for dialogue should be the absence of conditions for dialogue,” Hovorun said.
He also suggested making two columns: in one column, both sides should note what unites them. And in the second column – what they think separates them. Then, during the dialogue, they have to discuss what could be transferred from the second column to the first one. This dialogue methodology involves, first of all, finding points of contact, overcoming the dichotomy of “us” and “them.”
“So far, it seems to me that it is working positively. The only problem is that this dialogue has not yet found acceptance within, at least, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We see that there are already negative reactions. I heard, for example, that one priest who participated in the dialogue on the part of the UOC was banned from performing divine services. We are seeing the first negative reactions from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and this is an alarming signal. In my opinion, it is necessary to fight not only for dialogue, but also for this dialogue to be recognized on the part of the churches,” Hovorun concluded.
Dialogue of the UOC MP and the OCU – latest developments
The Ukrainian Orthodox Churches started an informal dialogue in Sophia of Kyiv on July 5 during a meeting of the clergy.
The UOC-MP almost immediately disowned their clerics, who attended the meeting. It was claimed that no one had sent them or delegated them to express the UOC-MP’s position. It was also stated that the OCU is allegedly determined to “fight,” so dialogue is impossible.
In general, pro-Russian websites released a number of reports aimed to denigrate the dialogue between the UOC-MP and the OCU. Also, Moscow opposes the dialogue between the UOC-MP and the OCU, rejecting the thesis that the clergy of the UOC-MP, which will shift to the OCU, will be ostracized.
OCU priest Heorhiy Kovalenko has called on the UOC MP to sign a “declaration of understanding” between the two Churches.
One of the UOC-MP priests noted that overcoming the schism by force is a common practice in Orthodox countries.
