OCU hierarch calls on UOC believers "not to hold on to churches"

The head of the Khmelnytsky Diocese of the OCU, Simeon Shostatsky, said that UOC believers should focus on prayer rather than defend churches during the «transitions» of communities, noting that all residents of the settlements where the churches are located can participate in the voting on the change of jurisdiction. He said this in an interview with the Khmelnytsky TV channel TV7plus.

In the interview, Shostatsky emphasized that supporters of maintaining parishes under the jurisdiction of the UOC should not fight for property: «If you are so correct, white, fluffy, then please, if you are fighting for the purity of your flock and the salvation of their souls, we know how to pray. What are you fighting for? For property.»

He also stated that not only regular parishioners, but also all residents of the respective locality, especially in rural areas, have the right to vote at the meeting on the «transfer» to the OCU. According to Shostatsky, «the church belongs not only to a separate group, but also to them,» so «they have the same right as those who go every Sunday.»

In addition, Simeon emphasized that even those who come to church only once a year for the consecration of Easter can «completely change tomorrow,» emphasizing that the church community is wider than the circle of regular parishioners.

Earlier, we reported that the Synod of the OCU, which took place in Kyiv on February 2, 2026, made a number of significant personnel decisions. Among other things, the OCU reshuffled the Vinnytsia and Khmelnytsky dioceses and removed the head of the Uzhhorod-Zakarpattia diocese from his position.