OCU cleric assesses prospects of unification with UGCC through mediation of Rome and Constantinople

The OCU admitted the possibility of future unification with the UGCC, but stressed that this process directly depends on reaching agreements between the Vatican and the Patriarchate of Constantinople. Representatives of both denominations expressed «cautious optimism» about the timing of the rapprochement, noting that a high-level dialogue is already underway.

On the air of the YouTube channel «Orthodox Easterners, » OCU cleric Andriy Dudchenko commented on the discussions about the creation of a «new union.» In his opinion, such theses are often used as a tool to intimidate believers, but he confirmed that the unification scenario is considered real. By unity, Dudchenko means the ability to «freely concelebrate and receive communion» while maintaining Orthodox identity.

According to the OCU representative, the key condition for the realization of such a scenario is the coherence of the actions of world church centers. Andriy Dudchenko explained that the OCU does not have the authority to declare unification with the Catholic Church on its own. «This is possible when Constantinople and Rome reach an agreement,» the clergyman emphasized.

On behalf of the UGCC, Roman Ostrovsky also noted that the prospect of unification is not a matter of the distant future. Representatives of the churches have special hopes for the ongoing dialogue between the head of the Catholic Church and Patriarch Bartholomew. In particular, the discussion of the transition to a joint celebration of Easter is considered a positive signal, which could be an important step towards restoring full prayerful unity.

Earlier, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople reaffirmed his intention to continue rapprochement with the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), calling the path to restoring full communion «irreversible.» In his speech, he emphasized that the dialogue between Rome and Constantinople is based on hope and trust, and that the upcoming church anniversaries should become a benchmark for final reconciliation.