On April 27, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate claimed “complete independence” from the Russian Orthodox Church and “disagreed” with Russian Patriarch Cyril. Although two weeks ago the rhetoric of the UOC-MP was completely different – its representatives named the Orthodox Church of Ukraine among of the causes of war.
Konstantin Sihov, chief of the Center for European Humanitarian Studies at the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, explains the step by saying that dependence on the Russian Church has done great harm to the UOC-MP. In addition, there was real public pressure and that of a pro-active minority of priests (over 400). Therefore, changes were necessary, as reported by LvivNEWS.
“But the call to condemn Patriarch Cyril is still ahead, as so far only disagreement with his position has been expressed. So this is just the beginning. Changes must take place. But the question is to what extent the declared independence from the Kremlin will be real.
Honestly, the complete split from the Kremlin is decided not by the hierarchs of the UOC-MP, but by the Armed Forces of Ukraine at the front. But what happened may help many to stop commemorating Cyril today. After all, two-thirds of the UOC-MP diocese used to mention him in their prayers,” explained Kostiantyn Sihov.
He also stressed that the institutional dependence of the UOC-MP may end, but the main thing is the spirit in which it will be interpreted. Mental dependence needs to change, but this requires strong independent institutions.
