UOC comments on the appeal of Berdiansk Eparchy clerics to ROC

The statements voiced by some clerics of the Berdiansk Eparchy of the UOC, made bypassing their ruling bishop, are provocative and raise doubts about their sincerity, says the UOC press service. These clerics will be banned from ministry by their ruling bishop, Metropolitan Ephraim.

"The clergy of the Berdiansk Eparchy have repeatedly and openly expressed full support and words of trust to their ruling bishop. Therefore, the contrary statements voiced by individual priests sharply contradict the previous ones and raise doubts about their sincerity and the absence of coercion in their proclamation," the UOC said.

Commenting on the statements made by the priests of the diocese that Metropolitan Ephraim of Berdiansk "has abandoned his flock", the UOC said that the hierarch is undergoing medical treatment abroad with the blessing of Blessed Metropolitan Onuphry: "He said that during his treatment, the administration of the eparchy he leads will be carried out remotely by phone during his treatment. A full assessment of the situation will be possible after Metropolitan Ephraim gives his detailed explanations after his recovery.”

The UOC once again stressed that the Church has always stated its strong support for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and condemned Russian aggression.

"Priests of the Berdiansk Eparchy who have arbitrarily voiced provocative statements in the media that do not correspond to the official position of the UOC, and are sowing confusion and temptation in the hearts of the flock, in accordance with the canons of the Orthodox Church will be banned from priestly ministry by their ruling hierarch, Metropolitan Ephraim of Berdiansk and Primorsk," the UOC added.

As reported, the Russian Orthodox Church "accepted the Berdiansk Eparchy into direct subordination to the Patriarch".