Met. Anthony: Ecumenical Patriarchate legalizes schismatics

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Borispol and Brovary

All the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in Ukraine are a challenge for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and for the entire world Orthodoxy, said the Chancellor of the UOC Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) of Borispol and Brovary in an interview with the Greek edition “Romfea”.

"Everything that happened at the so-called “Unification Council” on December 15 has nothing to do with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” said Vladyka. “Our Church did not participate in this “Council”. Only two metropolitan were present in violation of their oath.”

“I am told that the Greek media write that the new unified Church of Ukraine was allegedly created. It is not true. There was a legalization of the schism by the Ecumenical Patriarchate since the newly elected Epiphany does not have a continual apostolic succession, because he was "ordained" by the defrocked Filaret. Besides, the basis of the new "Church" consists of 98% schismatics, who for a number of reasons were declared canonical by the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” added the metropolitan.

The hierarch is convinced that all the actions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Ukraine are a challenge for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Orthodoxy throughout the world.

"Two Churches – of Serbia and Poland – have already declared that they do not recognize the hierarchy of the new “Church" and will not concelebrate with their ‘clergy’.  Now it is obvious that each Local Church is going to express its position. If a Church recognizes schismatics, it will not be able to concelebrate with us. I don’t think it will be possible to unite the Local Church of the schismatics and the Church of Metropolitan Onuphry at the same time. It would be strange and bitter for us if our brothers from the Local Churches, who used to come to us to Ukraine, serve with us and have a warm and open communion in Christ, would now allow accepting schismatics,” Vladyka said.

In conclusion, Metropolitan Anthony stressed that we are now in a deep crisis, but it must be overcome through prayer and, with God's help, we can find a solution to this major problem.

“No one can sit quietly in the corner. This time has passed. We must deal with this problem honestly and with Christian courage,” concluded the UOC hierarch.

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