The Ukrainians are witness significant events in the religious area, which is dynamically changing. Events have recently taken place that emphasize the need for self-purification of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate). Therefore, it is important to look into these developments and their impact on believers and society in general.
Let’s start with the escape to Russia of UOC (MP) cleric Volodymyr Dolgikh. This case raises serious questions about the patriotism and devotion to Ukraine on the part of church leaders of the UOC (MP), especially those who contribute to shaping the worldview of the new preachers. Dolgikh, being a teacher at the Kyiv Theological Academy and the seminary of the Moscow Patriarchate in Kyiv, should have been an example of loyalty and patriotism. His escape calls into question his motives and allegiance to Ukraine.
Additionally, Dolgikh was an employee of the synodal “military” department of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine. This fact emphasizes his role in church structures, which can have an impact on the country’s military affairs and security. It also became known that Dolgikh was a subordinate of Metropolitan Augustyn (Markevych), whose reputation is far from impeccable as he has been spreading Kremlin propaganda and participated in Russia’s propaganda efforts. This suspicious cooperation between Dolgih and Markevich undermines the credibility of the UOC (MP) and emphasizes the need for a thorough vetting of those who hold influential positions in the church.
The second aspect that requires attention is the trips to the front of the aforementioned UOC (MP) Metropolitan Augustyn and his statements about the Armed Forces of Ukraine. It is known that the metropolitan spoke insultingly about the Armed Forces and their role in protecting the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In particular, in July 2020, Metropolitan Augustyn said about Russia’s attack that he did not know who started the war: “I didn’t understand how it happened, who started it, what to do and what to say to the soldiers who are there.” From these words, it is clear that Augustyn does not even know what to say to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, but nevertheless he travels to the front and visits, as evidenced by the websites of the UOC (MP), our advanced positions. Also, these statements testify to Metropolitan Augustyn distancing from national interests and expressing disrespect for Ukrainian defenders. Add to this the eloquent fact of Markevych co-serving with the clergy of the Russian Orthodox Church in Italy.
The third aspect concerns the situation with criminal cases initiated against the UOC (MP). In Ukraine, the SBU probed 68 criminal cases targeting clerics of the UOC (MP). Fourteen of them are metropolitans. The main reason for this is the inability of the UOC (MP) to cleanse itself of separatists and “collaborators in cassocks.” This causes public indignation and creates a negative image of the UOC (MP). Lawmakers might even ban it at the legislative level. The Verkhovna Rada claims there’s enough votes for the move.
To prevent further outrage, the UOC (MP) should raise the issue of self-purge and take drastic measures to expel unacceptable elements, traitors, from its ranks. Dozens of UOC (MP) bishops swore allegiance to the blood-thirsty Moscow Patriarch Kirill, supported Putin and the full-scale invasion, and broke away from the UOC (MP), spitting at Onufry and the Synod. However, the Synod did not condemn this, but on the contrary, supported the bishops accused of collaborationism and expressed dissatisfaction with the actions of the Ukrainian authorities.
That is, objectively speaking, there is an urgent need to cleanse the UOC (MP) of people like Volodymyr Dolgikh, Bishop Gedeon (Haron), Metropolitan Panteleimon (Povorozniuk), Metropolitan Lazar (Svetsia), Bishop Kalinik (Chernyshov), Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanych), philanthropist Vadim Novinsky, priest Gennady Shkil and many other bishops who cooperate with the Russian invaders, undermine the trust of believers and ordinary citizens in the church, and pose a threat to national security. The UOC (MP) should take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of cases of collaboration among clerics.
Some flee to the Russian Federation, treacherously leaving their native Ukraine bahind, destroying trust in those UOC (MP) priests who really want to change the church from the inside. Meanwhile, real heroes, Ukrainian believers, fight with the enemy, risking their lives for the sake of protecting the territorial integrity and freedom of Ukraine. The UOC (MP) must understand that there is no place for “collaborators in cassocks” in its ranks. They undermine trust and threaten national security as the full-scale war grinds on. Now is the time for self-cleansing, for the removal of these traitors, so that faith and patriotism are united again in the hearts of the faithful and contribute to the construction of a strong and united Ukraine, for the effective protection of our lands from the invaders.
The leadership of the UOC (MP) must realize that the aspirations of the Ukrainian people cannot be combined with those who treacherously fall under the influence of the Russian Federation and violate national interests. People loyal to their Motherland do not succumb to the influence of the enemy and do not betray their brothers and sisters. The UOC (MP) must restore lost trust by conducting radical self-cleansing measures. Let the church become an example of unity, patriotism and loyalty, and not a place where “collaborators in cassocks” found a haven. Let faith become a force that unites the Ukrainian people in the struggle for freedom, independence, and future of our Motherland.
The UOC (MP) must understand that its future depends on its own decisions. Its last chance at self-purge would be an attempt to justify trust. The time for self-cleaning has come. Time to wake up and make the right choice. The Ukrainian people have the right to a church that will stand by them, protect their interests and promote their unity. Let the ruins of treason be left in the past, and the future be based on the sincerity, loyalty, and indomitable spirit of our people. Ukraine needs unity, strength, and faith in a bright future. Let every step, every decision made by the UOC (MP) be a step towards unity, towards the revival of our nation, and towards victory over treason. Let the church become a support for all who believe in justice, freedom, and independence. Time to act, time to choose the right path – the path of Ukrainian independence and dignity, the path with God!
OCU priest Ivan Petrushchak for the Spiritual Front of Ukraine
