The religious event also has clear political significance. Mystery surrounds the alleged invitation from the (Moscow-linked) Ukrainian Synod to Kirill, a “deliberate provocation” for some.
He was the leader of the Ukrainian Orthodox church, obedient to Moscow since 1992. Ill with cancer he was replaced in February by Metropolitan Onufry, who now faces the great challenge posed to the Church by the Maidan protests. The risks of a split from the Moscow Patriarchate.
On behalf of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church Patriarch Svyatoslav (Shevchuk) extended his condolences to the UOC-MP in connection with the departure into eternity of Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan).
According to a Church spokesperson, the Russian Orthodox primate does not want to provide a pretext for new provocations. Volodymyr’s succession is now open, giving Moscow a chance to bring Ukrainian Orthodox “under its control”.
The Assembly of bishops is set to meet on 13 August. Moscow wants to prevent the proclamation of autocephaly and unity with the Orthodox Church of Kyiv. Ukrainian politicians might weigh into the debate. Candidates include Metropolitan of Chernivtsi and Bukovina Onufry, Metropolitan Aleksandr (Drabinko), and Metropolitan Simeon of Vinnitsa.
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