Russian Patriarch Kirill urges Constantinople to derail independence of Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has called on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to prevent the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from gaining independence from the Moscow clergy.

Kirill posted his address to the leader of Eastern Orthodox Christianity on the website of the Russian Church on Dec. 31.

Kirill specifically urged Bartholomew not to give Ukraine the tomos, a document that will officially grant independence to Ukraine’s Orthodox Church. The church is scheduled to receive the tomos on Jan. 6, Christmas Eve in Ukrainian Orthodox Christianity.

“It is not yet too late to stop,” Kirill said. “Retreat now from communicating with the secessionists, refuse to participate in the political adventure of their legalization.”

Kirill also expressed confusion about Constantinople’s decision to recognize breakaway Ukrainian churches that had previously been viewed as non-canonical, despite the fact that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church had been subordinate to the Russian Church since 1686. He termed Constantinople’s decision “politicized.”

“I can only express regret that your decisions, which are destructive for general church unity, depend so much on ‘external,’ that is, on political conditions, which you are not shy to admit,” Kirill said.

The Russian Patriarch also warned Constantinople that the Russian Orthodox Church will no longer recognize it as the top authority in the Orthodox world. And he threatened Constantinople with divine retribution if it gives the Ukrainian church independence.

“And the sufferings of Orthodox Ukrainians caused by you will follow you until Judgment’s Day… (where) they will testify against you before (God).”

Until recently, Ukraine had three Orthodox Churches. Two were considered non-canonical, while the third was subordinate to Moscow. However, in October, Constantinople recognized the two non-canonical churches. Once it gives them the tomos in January, they will be able to form the unified Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

On Dec. 15, the churches took a key step toward unification, electing as their future head Epiphanius, Metropolitan of Pereyaslav and Bila Tserkva, born Serhii Dumenko. The two churches also invited clergymen from the church subordinate to Moscow to join, but few agreed.