On December 20, 2024, Patriarch Kirill (Gundyaev) of the ROC spoke at the meeting of the clergy of the Moscow Diocese, where the central topic was the alleged “persecution” of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (in unity with the Moscow Patriarchate). His statement, published on the website of the Moscow Diocese, contains a number of claims that require critical analysis and refutation.
Gundyaev claims “total terror” against the UOC (MP), the closure and seizure of churches by “schismatics”, the repression of the clergy and the blocking of media platforms. He also emphasizes the prosecution of the UOC hierarchs and the lack of reaction from European leaders.
Patriarch Kirill statement about the alleged “persecution” of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is yet another attempt to create a distorted picture of reality and reinforce the Kremlin’s propaganda narratives. When analyzing his words, it is important to separate facts from false interpretations and manipulation. Gundyaev describes the situation as “total terror” aimed at destroying the UOC (MP), while failing to acknowledge that the situation has arisen due to the Moscow Patriarchate’s support for Russian aggression and the ongoing unity between the UOC and the ROC.
The use of the term “terror” is emotionally charged and intended to create the impression of mass and brutal persecution, which is not true, since the UOC (MP) openly continues its operations, and Metropolitan Mark, the holder of a Russian passport, recently consecrated a new throne.
Criminal cases against some hierarchs of the UOC (MP) are related to specific charges of collaborationism and other crimes stipulated by Ukrainian law, and are not persecution for faith, but rather prosecution for crimes against Ukraine. Gundyaev presents these cases as repressions against the “canonical church”, ignoring the essence of the charges and the context of Russian aggression against Ukraine, the general pro-Russian line of part of the UOC (MP). Patriarch Kirill does not mention the numerous evidence of cooperation of some representatives of the UOC (MP) with the Russian occupiers, their participation in the spread of pro-Russian ideology and even cases of espionage by priests in favor of the Russian invaders.
Kirill (Gundyaev), speaking in defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (in unity with the MP), in fact only worsens its situation. His statements and actions demonstrate that the UOC(MP) remains closely linked to Moscow, despite formal claims of autonomy or “independence”. This undermines the attempts by the UOC(MP) to prove its independence to Ukrainian society and the authorities, and casts a shadow over the entire structure. Kirill’s rhetoric only strengthens the belief that the organization is an (effective) instrument of Russian influence, which is becoming a serious problem in the conditions of war, which the Ukrainian authorities must and are trying to address.
Instead of speaking out against the war, promoting the true independence of the UOC(MP), the Moscow Patriarchate is actively interfering in the affairs of the UOC(MP), effectively turning it into a hostage of the Kremlin’s imperial political ambitions. This intensifies polarization between confessions in Ukraine and pushes society away from this church. Ukrainians seek to get rid of imperial pressure, and any affiliation with Moscow is perceived as a threat to state security.
Gundyaev’s actions also demonstrate that he is not ready to let the UOC (MP) “float freely,” despite the obvious need of the Ukrainian people for this. Instead, he insists on its dependence, which deprives the church of the opportunity to protect its reputation and restore the trust of Ukrainians. Protecting the head of the ROC looks like an attempt to maintain influence in Ukraine, rather than a genuine concern for the fate of the believers or clergy of the UOC (MP). As a result, this only increases tension and creates new challenges for the church itself, which is already in a difficult situation.
If the Moscow Patriarchate were to allow the UOC (MP) to become truly independent, this could change the perception of the church in Ukraine and help it. But Gundyaev’s policies only complicate this prospect, deepening the schism and leaving the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in a state of isolation.
