Support for Ukrainian Orthodox Church Amidst Controversial Ban
On September 12, the leadership of the Orthodox Church in North Macedonia voiced its support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), which has recently been banned under legislation signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This ban has raised significant concerns, as it denies millions of believers their basic rights to religious affiliation, practice their faith, and conduct religious services.
The issue was discussed during a regular session of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Macedonian Orthodox Church - Ohrid Archdiocese (MOC OA). In their statement, the synod highlighted the plight of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which has been rendered administratively defunct by the Ukrainian parliament. This move has been perceived as an infringement on the rights of many faithful who are now unable to worship freely.
The MOC OA extended its support to the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the metropolitan of Kyiv and all of Ukraine, as well as to bishops and followers of the church. They expressed their commitment to pray for the UOC, hoping that divine support would provide them with the strength necessary to endure the current trials they face.
President Zelenskiy enacted this law on August 24 to curb the influence of religious organizations that have ties to the Russian Orthodox Church. This legislation stipulates that no religious organization functioning within Ukrainian borders can have its administrative center in Russia, thereby impacting the UOC directly.
The Orthodox Church recognized in Ukraine is known as the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Since 2014, Ukraine has made deliberate efforts to distance itself from the Russian Orthodox Church, a process that has accelerated dramatically following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Notably, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church split from the Moscow Patriarchate in 2022; however, authorities in Ukraine have frequently accused its clergy of maintaining allegiance to Russia.
Propagating this environment of suspicion is Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has notably aligned himself with Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime.
The MOC OA, which was recognized in May 2022 by the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul under the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, previously faced international isolation and a lack of acknowledgment from the Orthodox world since its restoration in 1967. The subsequent recognition by the Serbian Orthodox Church has bolstered its status but has not mitigated the challenges posed by regional tensions related to religious affiliations.
As the situation continues to evolve in Ukraine, the support expressed by the Macedonian Orthodox Church reflects not only a stance of camaraderie but also a growing awareness of the complexities surrounding religious identity and freedom in a time of political turmoil.
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