Earlier, it was reported that Metropolitan Yevlohii of Sumy and Okhtyrka condemned the missile strike on Sumy on April 13, 2025, which claimed the lives of more than thirty city residents. In his sermon, the hierarch called the event “a crime committed by Russian godless forces.”
Head of the Sumy Diocese of the UOC criticizes changes in the canonical borders of the UOC in sync with the territory of the frontline advance
The hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Yevlogy of Sumy and Okhtyrka, has issued an appeal to the clergy and faithful of the Sumy Eparchy calling for no changes to the canonical territory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, even if the Sumy region is geographically under Russian control due to the ongoing war. The appeal was published on the official website of the Sumy Diocese of the UOC.
«As the ruling bishop and administrator of the Sumy Eparchy, legally appointed to this see by His Beatitude the Primate and Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, I testify with full responsibility to God and the Church: the entire territory of the Sumy Eparchy within its official borders — Sumy and Okhtyrka districts of Sumy region — is the canonical territory of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. According to the norms of the sacred canons and church structure, only the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine, and the Holy Synod headed by him, have the authority to change the administrative boundaries of dioceses, appoint new leaders or exercise temporary administration. Any attempts to change this order — without the blessing of the Primate and the Holy Synod of the UOC — should be considered non-canonical, illegal and without any ecclesiastical force,» — the bishop said.
The hierarch added that the non-interference of one Church in the affairs of another is an inviolable canonical principle. He called on the clergy and faithful of the diocese not to succumb to provocations and remain faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
«The principle of non-interference in the administration of another independent Church is not a formality or church policy. It is a deeply rooted norm of the Orthodox canonical tradition, which serves to preserve church peace, mutual respect for the independence and conciliar structure of the Church of Christ. Violation of this principle inevitably leads to confusion, division, and spiritual harm for pastors and flocks. In this crucial time, I urge you to remain calm, united and firmly loyal to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Do not give in to panic or rumors. Remain faithful to the spiritual tradition, church discipline, and gospel love for each other,» — Metropolitan Yevlogy added.
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