Bishop Nathanael of Volyn and Lutsk: UOC is independent: its link to Moscow Patriarchate is prayerful

Ukrainian Orthodox Church is independent and has wide autonomy. Differences in the affiliation to whatever Patriarchate are slight. It was said by ruling archbishop of Volyn UOC eparchy bishop Nathanael in the live program “Opposite View Live” on the TV channel “Nova Volyn”, reports the site of Volyn eparchy.

“An official name of our Church is Ukrainian Orthodox Church. We have a devotional unity with the Moscow Patriarchate, mentioning the Patriarch’s name in our prayers in conformity with the rules. Yet there is no “dependence” we are sometimes ascribed to,” explained His Eminence Nathanael to viewers.

When this issue is raised, one needs to understand the laws of worship service, the Symbol of Faith, literally “I believe in One Holy Catholic (= Conciliar) Apostolic Church.” The essence of any Orthodox Church is its belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ. The affiliation to any Patriarchate should not be taken in a political sense.

He added that from the angle of Orthodoxy other confessions which consider themselves Orthodox are believed to be schismatic. “If we speak about faith in One Holy Apostolic Church we have just ONE, there cannot be many churches by definition, and we continually pray and wish other schismatic denominations could return to Christ Church,” concluded Bishop Nathanael.