Part of the “Thoughts Aloud” mini-series created jointly by the “Sofia Brotherhood” and the German foundation Renovabis, within the project “Contemporary Ukrainian Orthodoxy: Breaking Myths for Reconciliation and Societal Consolidation.” Statements do not necessarily represent the official view of the Sofia Brotherhood.
Natalia Marinkina, UOC, St. Sophia Brotherhood (Ternopil Region)
In today’s Ukrainian reality, this phrase sounds almost like a challenge. Many people immediately equate the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate with political loyalty to the aggressor state. But the situation is far more complex.
I am a parishioner of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which until recently recognized spiritual unity with the Moscow Patriarchate. But I am also a citizen of Ukraine, a mother, a volunteer, a Christian. I am not a “Moscow agent,” as many assume. Because when the full-scale war began, I didn’t hide behind words — I took action.
My four sons, raised in the spirit of Christian love and responsibility, have defended Ukraine from the very first days. One of them has served since 2014.
They are fighting on different parts of the front — for their homeland, for our future. And every day, I pray for them and support them however I can — with medicine, gear, warmth, and words. I rally my neighbors, my fellow villagers — people of different denominations. Together, we cook treats, weave camouflage nets, and collect donations for our fellow villagers serving at the front. Because I’m a mother, a volunteer — this is my second front.
And yes, I continue to attend a UOC church. Because my faith is not in Moscow, not in the Patriarch, not in political declarations. My faith is in God, who sees the heart. And I see no contradiction between standing in prayer and helping our soldiers, speaking Ukrainian, raising the flag, and singing the national anthem.
Am I ashamed of certain things in the past and present of the UOC? Yes. Of the silence, the caution, the instances of open detachment from reality, the collaborationism of certain priests. But alongside that — I feel pride. For the priests who bless soldiers and go to the front lines. For the parishes that operate like small support centers. For those who are not afraid to speak the truth.
Yes, I am in the UOC — but I do not support Moscow. My Church is in Ukraine. And I believe — I am certain — that the Church must purify itself, change, speak the truth without fear of loss. Because losing trust is worse than losing property or status.
Not everyone who remains in the UOC is an enemy of Ukraine. Many of us are people who love our land and are ready to live, work, pray, and — if necessary — die for it. We are simply still searching for how to reconcile faithfulness to God with faithfulness to a country that is fighting every day for life.