Tensions Rise Over Ukrainian Orthodox Autocephaly
Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kiev.
The Constantinople Patriarchate has considered granting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church status as a local and independent church, otherwise known as autocephaly. This would make it the fifteenth independent and canonically recognized Orthodox Church. Currently, there are three main Orthodox churches in Ukraine, none of which are formally recognized by other churches. An independent Ukrainian Local Orthodox Church would grant believers much higher status in the Orthodox world and greater independence from Russian religious influence.
The 3 largest Orthodox churches in Ukraine include the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyivan Patriarchate and the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, both of which function independently of Moscow. This former effectively declared itself independent from Moscow in 1992, after Ukraine achieved independence a year prior. The Patriarchate of Kiev’s leader has been very critical of Vladimir Putin, once saying he was possessed by Satan. The Autocephalous Church founded itself in 1990. The third church, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, is under the control of the Russian Orthodox Church, which has close relations with the Kremlin. The Russian Orthodox Church is the largest of all of the Orthodox churches.
Upon receiving a Tomos by the Constantinople Patriarchate Synod, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church would become a recognized religious institution. In September, the Synaxis of Bishops met and began this process. This Synaxis of Constantinople has the position of first amongst equals in the Orthodox world. While far less powerful than the Pope, the Patriarchate of Constantinople does officially have dominion over 300 million believers. According to the Synaxis, only Constantinople can give a Tomos, regardless of the thoughts of others. After receiving the Tomos, the Ukrainian churches will need to unite into the Ukrainian Local Orthodox Church.
However, some are against such a move, saying it would split the Ukrainian Orthodox community and Orthodox community as a whole. But many in Kiev see the Russian Orthodox Church as a tool of the Kremlin, and see an Autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church as necessary for full independence. The crisis over Crimea and rebellion in the Donbass increased support for autocephaly amongst Ukrainians. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has been pressuring Bartholomew, the Constantinople Patriarch, to grant Ukraine Autocephaly. Bartholomew has supported the plan as a way to unite all of Ukraine’s Orthodox believers.
In response, the Russian Orthodox Churches announced that it will no longer participate in the various institutions run by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Ecumenical Patriarchate will no longer be commemorated in Russian Orthodox Services. These moves are equivalent to ceasing diplomatic relations between nation states.
The Kremlin has displayed its displeasure at this divide in the Orthodox world, but emphasized that it believes that the state should not interfere in religious matters. Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin Spokesperson, said that “of course for Moscow and indeed for the entire Orthodox world the single preferable scenario is the preservation of unity of this Orthodox world.”
The State Department released a formal statement supporting Bartholomew’s move to create an Autocephalous church on September 25, declaring, “The United States respects the ability of Ukraine’s Orthodox religious leaders and followers to pursue autocephaly according to their beliefs.”
Upping the stakes, the Russian Orthodox Church sent a stern letter on September 28 that it would formally cease Communion with the greater Orthodox community if autocephaly was granted to Ukraine. This would be the greatest division in the Orthodox community since the split with Roman Catholicism and raises the stakes in a tense situation.