Ukrainian faithful from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate), led by Metropolitan Onufriy, have officially requested confirmation of their separation from the Russian Orthodox Church.
According to Ukrainian media reports, members of this Church have appealed to Metropolitan Onufriy to publish official documents verifying their departure from the Moscow Patriarchate.
The request highlights the importance of Metropolitan Onufriy responding to the Ukrainian authorities’ request from August 22 and releasing official letters sent to the Russian Orthodox Church that demonstrate the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s disassociation. The faithful also stress the necessity of communicating this decision to the Local Churches.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church had declared its intention to separate from the Russian Orthodox Church in the spring of 2022. Calls from authorities and Ukrainian society have been made for the UOC to formalize this decision through official correspondence. The request emphasizes that such action would help prevent the closure of parishes and the seizure of places of worship and churches owned by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
In their letter, the faithful implore Metropolitan Onufriy, “Your Beatitude, do not leave us alone in this challenging situation. We all pray to God for the preservation of our Church, but specific actions are also necessary to safeguard it.”
This appeal underscores the urgent need for clarity and official recognition of the Church’s new status to ensure its protection and continued existence in Ukraine.