OCU lobbyist speaks of respect for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Religious scholar, OCU lobbyist, and expert of the State Service of Ukraine for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) Liudmyla Fylypovych expressed the opinion that the immediate unification of the OCU and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) is currently impossible and even undesirable. According to her, both denominations will have a long period of coexistence, and the key to future unity should not be coercion, but Christian mutual respect and dialogue.

Filipovych recalled that the creation of a single local church was a strategic goal and condition for the granting of the Tomos by the Patriarch of Constantinople. However, in her opinion, the head of the OCU, Epiphany Dumenko , «realistically assesses the situation and is a supporter of ‘soft power’, emphasizing his readiness for cooperation.» She believes that he would react positively to the resumption of the work of the conciliation commissions that existed in the past.

Liudmyla Fylypovych noted that over the years of separate existence, each of the denominations has developed its own traditions, way of life, and ethics of relations. «It is not perfect, but it is vital,» emphasized Filipovych. According to her, even the OCU may not want the entire structure of the UOC to immediately join them, as this would be a serious challenge to the established system.

The religious scholar warns against the sentiments of revenge and revenge, calling them unchristian. «Both the UOC and the OCU need to form an awareness that there will be two autocephalous Orthodox churches in Ukraine for a long time. And this is not a tragedy,» she said, adding that many churches in the world need time and space to rethink themselves and their relations.

According to Filipovych, the main barrier to rapprochement is not only canonical but also deeply psychological, including personal antipathies and a history of mutual resentment. She sees a way out of this impasse in a return to Christian foundations. «First of all, we must remember that we are Christians… Why not respect each other’s spiritual experience? Why not respect the experience of churches? Each has its own way. Look at each other, take the good things that your community may lack,» the expert summarized.

Earlier, Liudmyla Fylypovych made a resonant proposal to dismantle the churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and transport them to the territory of the Russian Federation. On Channel 5, she also made harsh statements against the UOC believers, suggesting that they «clear their brains».