"The biggest problem is the recognition of the OCU" - the hierarch of the Macedonian Orthodox Church

The hierarch of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan John of Krushevka and Demirhisar, spoke about the attitude of the Macedonian Church to the OCU. The bishop is convinced that the main problem in recognizing the OCU is the lack of apostolic succession. The Metropolitan’s interview is published by Prizma.mk.

«The biggest problem is the recognition of the OCU. For example, in order for someone to become a deacon, I have to ordain him, that is, the deacon must receive apostolic succession from someone who already has it. This group in the Ukrainian church did not receive apostolic succession,» — said Metropolitan John.

The bishop added that even the Greek Churches understand the inability to recognize the Ukrainian schism from a canonical point of view, but they place all the responsibility for this decision on the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

«I had the opportunity to talk to an outstanding theologian who was also my teacher, the late John Zizioulas. In a long dialog, he answered all other questions, but there was no answer to this question (recognition of the OCU — ed.). He simply said: «Constantinople can do it,» — the hierarch said.

We recall that on May 21, 2024, the Primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Stephen of Ohrid, commented on the requirements of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, which the MOC had to fulfill in order to recognize the Church by Phanar. Among them, Archbishop Stefan named the establishment of communion with the OCU, which is categorically unacceptable to the Macedonian Church.