The Volyn-based Ukrainian priest who joined the OCU, Father Oleksandr Kolb, gave an important interview in which he expressed his position regarding Eucharistic communication and understanding between different Orthodox churches. He does not understand the position of the UOC (MP), which says that Eucharistic unity with the Ecumenical Patriarch is a schism.
In an interview with the Spiritual Front of Ukraine, Father Oleksandr said: “Let’s analyze the following: everyone knows and no one will deny that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP, – ed.) is in Eucharistic communication with the Russian Orthodox Church, not even mentioning the canonical subordination. And this should be perceived as a correct canonical phenomenon. But if the UOC wants to restore Eucharistic communication with the Ecumenical Patriarch, then this is a schism! So who can explain to me where common sense it here? What’s the essence and what’s the truth?”
He also sarcasitcally highlighted the position of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP): “With the one who blesses war, deploys his chaplains, consecrates weapons, motivates invaders by justifying themir actions with the Holy Scriptures we must be in Eucharistic communication (the Russian Orthodox Church). And with the one who really wants an understanding for Ukrainian Orthodoxy (with the Ecumenical Patriarchate), it is impossible to restore Eucharistic communication!”
Father Oleksandr called for the restoration of Eucharistic communication with the Church of Constantinople and other local churches with which it was severed, such as the Churches of Alexandria, Cyprus, and Greece. He believes that this will promote movement in the right direction and contribute to the process of understanding between Orthodox churches.
“…For as long as there is no restoration, it is difficult to talk about any bigger steps,” he said.
