All the bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine are afraid of Metropolitan Antoniy, while many hope that Russian troops will capture Ukraine, OCU Metropolitan Oleksandr (Drabynko) is convinced.
“They are all afraid of Antoniy,” he said, adding that the church is yet to voice its position on the ongoing war. “And, frankly, many of them are awaiting the ‘liberators.’ Ordinary priests are afraid of bishops. They are used to obeying the leadership,” Metropolitan Oleksandr told Ukrinform.
“How can they keep commemorating Cyril at the liturgy as their great master and father? But the chances of working with the clergy remain. For example, some MP community approaches me about their transition. A large community, signatures already collected. I ask: what is the position of your priest? They tell me he either hesitates, or doesn’t want to, or has many children. I say, try talking to him. You can’t be afraid all the time, let him remain your pastor in the Ukrainian church, because it’s better that way, I wouldn’t want to give you a new priest while your pastor is out there serving. Otherwise, we go like this: create a new community with the OCU and take turns in serving in the temple. And let him choose the hours when he wants to serve, and we will choose other hours. A single community, if they have will, will always be able to share their temple,” the bishop explained.
He added that there are situations where the village elders, who were involved in building the church, go to attend services in a neighboring village because their pro-Moscow priest doesn’t want this transition (to the OCU – ed.).
“That is, I don’t go chasing numbers, but in supporting people in their desire for independence, I go great lengths, I make every effort to convince the priest, so as not to have remorse,” said Metropolitan Oleksandr.
The Metropolitan also said that there are many more people willing to join the OCU than it is reported.
