Archpriest Volodymyr Vakin, Rector of the Volhynia Orthodox Theological Academy, Candidate of Theology
This statement was made during a panel discussion at the Round Table “Contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy: Debunking Myths for the Sake of Reconciliation Among Orthodox Christians in Ukraine,” held on April 29, 2025, in Kyiv. The event was organized by the Sophia Brotherhood as part of the educational-analytical project “Contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy: Debunking Myths for the Sake of Reconciliation and the Consolidation of Ukrainian Society,” supported by the Renovabis Foundation.
What is “jurisdiction”? A good question. Given that I wrote my doctoral thesis on canonical law and my mindset is not philosophical but one grounded in legal principles, I must admit that the current situation sometimes leaves me completely bewildered. To be frank, it does not align with the rules, realities, or logical reasoning. Therefore, the very concept of “jurisdiction” as it exists here in Ukraine—and I emphasize here—seems far from positive to me.
It feels like a temporary label to identify the opposing sides in a conflict in a neutral, non-offensive way.
When we speak of “jurisdiction,” it does not correspond to ecclesiology. I think we should view it as an anomaly, as a temporary solution for this transitional period—one that should ideally disappear once a unified, universally recognized Church is restored.
It’s important to understand that autocephaly is not about “independence,” but about belonging—belonging to Christ and to His Church. This is where our real focus should be.