The UOC parish in Germany has come under the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople

The parish in honor of the Nativity of Christ, formerly belonging to the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Germany, officially became part of the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Although the real reasons for this step are not specified, but formally it was taken «in connection with the protracted conflict in Ukraine and the need for canonical formalization of church ministry for Ukrainian believers living abroad for a long time».

It is reported that the rector of the parish, priest Sergiy Tymoshchuk, on Sunday, February 22, has already served with clerics of the Western European Diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which is headed by Archbishop Daniel (Zelinsky). On the same day, February 22, a statement to this effect was published on the parish’s official Facebook page.

The statement notes that their stay in Germany has become permanent for many, and the church service, initially planned as a temporary assignment from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, has acquired a long-term character «on the canonical territory» of the Western European Diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

According to the message, «due to the fact that the war in our homeland, to our great regret, has dragged on — it is already in its fifth year — and our stay in Germany for many has become permanent …», the parish decided to move. It is noted that according to the 28th rule of the IV Ecumenical Council, Orthodox parishes in the territory of Europe belong to the jurisdiction of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, since this territory falls under its canonical responsibility. «In accordance with these canons, our parish of the Nativity of Christ, at our request, was accepted into the Western European Diocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.»

Recall, earlier the Western European Vicariate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church published a document adopted by the clergy on February 6, 2026 in Bari (Italy), which explains in detail the features and goals of its pastoral ministry abroad. This document emphasizes the independence of the UOC from any other religious centers, refuting accusations of ties with the Russian Orthodox Church, and focuses on providing spiritual care to Ukrainian citizens who have been forced to leave their homeland.