“It has never happened that the Russian Orthodox Church appointed bishops for us” - UOC bishop opposes Patriarch Kirill's actions in uncontrolled territories

Archbishop Nikodim (Pustovgar), Vicar of the Chernihiv Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), has expressed his disapproval of what he sees as unlawful interference by Patriarch Kirill in the internal affairs of the UOC — specifically in matters of episcopal appointments and removals. According to him, these are internal matters to be decided solely by the UOC Synod. The archbishop made these remarks in an interview with the Ukrainian outlet «Glavcom».

On October 24, 2024, a group of UOC bishops, including Archbishop Nikodim, signed a statement expressing disagreement with Patriarch Kirill’s decision to remove Metropolitan Ilarion and other bishops who remained in territories not controlled by the Ukrainian government.

«By signing that statement, I expressed my opinion. The Patriarch has no right to do such things (remove diocesan heads). Why are you interfering in the affairs of the UOC? I noticed no consequences after that. As for the ROC, they never really listened to us. Their policies seem confusing — and to me, not very ecclesiastical,» the archbishop said.

«It has never happened before that the ROC appointed bishops for us!» he emphasized, pointing to what he sees as a violation of the UOC’s autonomy.

Archbishop Nikodim believes that the Russian Orthodox Church’s involvement in Ukrainian ecclesiastical affairs is a reflection of the political situation in the country. In his view, such moves deepen the church division and contradict the principles of the UOC’s independence.

«To remove bishops in our territory — that too. The primate of another Church has no right to do that. Only our Synod, our Church can decide this. He sees himself, you know, as a kind of Moscow Pope,» the archbishop added.

It is worth noting that this year’s Easter celebration in Chernihiv attracted attention among the faithful of the UOC: Bishop Nikodim took part in a joint ecumenical prayer with representatives of the OCU, UGCC, Roman Catholic Church, and Protestant communities. The service, held in the Holy Trinity Cathedral, was presented as an act of «spiritual unity» in support of peace in Ukraine.