UOC Episcopate Calls on President Zelensky to Reconsider Decision to Revoke Metropolitan Onufriy’s Citizenship

The hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church have issued an open letter to President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to reconsider the decision to revoke the citizenship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine. The appeal follows reports of a presidential decree that has caused significant concern among the faithful. The statement was published by the UOC’s Information and Educational Department.

The bishops emphasize that Metropolitan Onufriy is not only the spiritual leader of a multi-million flock, but also a person who, from the very beginning of the full-scale war, clearly and responsibly stated his position.

“In the very first hours of the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory, he publicly condemned it and called on all the faithful to pray and defend the homeland,” the letter states.

They note that, with Metropolitan Onufriy’s blessing, the UOC has carried out extensive humanitarian and charitable work, supported the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and provided aid to victims of the war.

“It can be said without exaggeration that today the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, under the leadership of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy, is one of the largest charitable organizations in Ukraine,” the letter emphasizes.

The appeal also recalls the UOC Council held on May 27, 2022, during which the Church officially declared its disagreement with Patriarch Kirill’s stance on the war and announced a de facto separation from the Moscow Patriarchate.

“The Council decided to separate the UOC from the Moscow Patriarchate and expressed disagreement with Patriarch Kirill’s position regarding the war in Ukraine,” the bishops state.

The letter includes a call to the president to restore justice and avoid a religious divide in Ukrainian society.

“Millions of UOC parishioners who love and respect their Primate are an integral part of Ukrainian society,” the letter reads.

“We ask you, Honorable Mr. President, to defend the truth, honor, dignity, and spiritual authority of one of the most respected pastors of the multi-million-member Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and to reconsider the decision to revoke the citizenship of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy,” the bishops conclude.

It should be recalled that the Office of the President of Ukraine will not publish the decree revoking the citizenship of the UOC Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy of Kyiv and All Ukraine. The administration has not commented on this decision and, apparently, has no intention of reversing it.