Odesa Eparchy of UOC-KP accuses OCU of provocations and attempt to destroy Filaret Denisenko's will

The Odesa-Baltsk Diocese of the UOC-KP issued an official statement in which it declared its unwavering support for Filaret Denisenko and accused the OCU of provocations. The key point was the allegation of attempts by representatives of the OCU to destroy the spiritual will of the “honorary patriarch.”

In its appeal, the diocese emphasized that it did not intend to succumb to any provocations by the OCU and would defend its head “to the end.” According to the text of the statement, any reports about the alleged voluntary transfer of power from Filaret to the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko are considered “journalistic and without any legal force.”

The UOC-KP is particularly concerned about the fate of the Patriarch’s “spiritual testament.” The diocese claims that Filaret drew up the document while in his right mind and with a clear memory. “Now representatives of the OCU are trying to destroy it with the help of His Holiness’ inner circle. Believe me, they will not succeed,” the message says.

In conclusion, the Odesa-Balta Diocese reaffirmed its loyalty to “the truly Ukrainian Church, which is not dependent on Moscow, Constantinople, or Rome,” with the primatial throne in Kyiv. This statement emphasizes the ongoing tension between the UOC-KP and the OCU.

As reported, on November 5, 2025, the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko met with the leader of the UOC-KP Filaret Denisenko in Kyiv . During the conversation, the hierarchs discussed Filaret’s many years of ministry and the importance of unity, concluding the conversation with a joint prayer for the victory of Ukraine.