Political expert: Deprivation of citizenship of Metropolitan Onuphry may be appealed in ECtHR

According to political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko, the decree signed by the President of Ukraine on the termination of Metropolitan Onuphry’s citizenship may have serious consequences both for the hierarch himself and for the Church as a whole. Although there is a legal conflict surrounding this step, its interpretation takes on special significance during wartime. The Constitutional Court should assess the actions of the authorities if relevant appeals are submitted. Fesenko stated this in a comment to “Telegraf.”

Fesenko emphasized that “the revocation of Metropolitan Onuphry’s citizenship creates serious problems for the UOC. He can, of course, live as an ordinary person, but he must legalize his status in light of the new circumstances. However, the main issue is the growing risks for the UOC.”

In the context of the law passed by the Verkhovna Rada banning religious organizations affiliated with the aggressor state, these risks, according to the expert, become even more tangible. “I don’t know how prepared the UOC is for such drastic changes, but the risks—at the very least, of suspending the activities of this structure—are increasing. This is also regionally linked to Metropolitan Onufriy, particularly in Chernivtsi Oblast, where he is from, and where the situation is especially tense. It also manifests locally in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and in Pochaiv—conflicts may arise there. The confrontation with the UOC is only intensifying,” Fesenko believes.

The political analyst noted that this decision is likely to be challenged in courts, including international ones. Regarding the chances of success, Fesenko believes they exist, but everything will depend on the further development of the political situation.

“The biggest problem I see is that this decision creates an even more controversial and conflict-prone situation for the UOC. They will either have to change their Primate or face the direct risk of a ban,” the expert concluded.

It should be noted that the head of the Synodal Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Klyment, confirmed that His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine holds only Ukrainian citizenship. He stated this in a comment to “BBC Ukraine.”