The UOC (in unity with Moscow Patriarchate) rejected the reports of its foreign parishes being created with Russian money as “outright slander and lies”. They note that the ROC, on the contrary, opposes UOC (MP)’s presence abroad.
That’s according to the UOC (MP) Department for External Church Relations. It was noted that the creation of foreign parishes was allowed by the Council of May 27, 2022, with the aim of providing spiritual care for war-displaced Ukrainians.
“The decision was made in view of the fact that among the refugees there are a large number of UOC believers who are citizens of Ukraine and have the right to have their religious needs met,” the press service explains.
The decision was made “absolutely independently” and “was not agreed with any foreign religious centers,” the church said, apparently referring to the ROC.
“Unfortunately, in our pastoral activities abroad we encounter opposition from some religious organizations, including the ROC,” the church complains, adding that the parishes are subordinate to the Primate of the UOC (MP), Metropolitan Onufriy, and all clergymen are citizens of Ukraine.
It is also denied that parishes are financed by Russia. Communities abroad are created on the initiative of believers themselves, and priests either receive assistance as refugees or work in secular jobs, the statement says.
“Our parishes (…) maintain contact with Ukraine, help the Armed Forces of Ukraine, raise funds for compatriots affected by the war in Ukraine, hold spiritual, educational, and cultural events, promote Ukrainian culture, and create centers of Ukrainianism,” the press service reports.
The UOC (MP) does not indicate in this statement how many parishes it currently operates abroad. However, as of the end of 2023, a total of 84 communities were reported: 58 parishes and 26 pastoral centers.
Recently, Metropolitan Fedir of the OCU said in an interview that the UOC (MP) retains the majority, but they are no longer masters. The media also reported that the UGCC and the OCU see a threat in the activities of the UOC (MP) beyond Ukraine’s borders.
