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.
Mykola Kikkas, Orthodox believer (Kyiv region)
My name is Mykola, and I am a Ukrainian of Orthodox confession. I present myself this way because for some time now I no longer identify exclusively with either of Ukraine’s two main jurisdictions – I recognize both and partake in the Sacraments of both. And from time to time I experience shame for the actions of both. My journey to overcoming the schism on a personal level and engaging with both church structures is a separate story. Today, however, I wish to share with readers this feeling of shame through two concrete cases – one concerning the UOC, the other concerning the OCU.
Story about the UOC
While working in my professional capacity on human rights issues in occupied Crimea, I learned that in April 2015 the Crimean Diocese of the UOC, led by Metropolitan Lazar, signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The occupation authorities presented this document at a court hearing in Crimea. This fact is described in the human-rights publication “Crimea Without Rules” (art. 21), which addresses religious freedom issues under occupation. Every aspect of this agreement is appalling:
- The UOC isn’t mentioned; instead, the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) is named, and the signatory is the Crimean Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate.
- The diocese agrees to assist in the patriotic upbringing of Russian soldiers (clause 1.1) and in forming motivation for heroic deeds for the benefit of the Russian state (clause 2.1.1).
- The relationship is based on prioritizing readiness for combat by the Russian armed forces (clause 1.3), and the diocese agrees to participate in combat training exercises (clause 2.1.1).
This is especially nauseating against the backdrop of the UOC’s proud affirmations regarding the continued inclusion of the Crimean Diocese despite the Russian occupation.
By signing this disgraceful agreement, Metropolitan Lazar continued to serve on the Holy Synod of the UOC and traveled to Kyiv for meetings. A member of the UOC Synod, who pledged to motivate Russian soldiers to serve the Russian Federation – how does that sit with you?
This shame grew even more bitter in 2022 when missiles from Black Sea Fleet vessels hit Ukrainian cities. Whether these are the direct fruits of Lazar’s spiritual care or the consequences of his indifference remains unanswered. He is still listed on the UOC website as a ruling bishop. I would dearly love to hear official spokespeople comment on this.
Story about the OCU
This one is less original: the OCU seized my home parish, a UOC church where I first received the Holy Mysteries and began my spiritual Christian path. Thankfully, no physical confrontation took place. Instead, documents were forged in advance, and locks were changed when parishioners were absent.
There is no doubt about the forgery: the “new version” of the parish charter submitted for registration claims it was approved by the parish assembly – but that’s a lie. We have specially approved participant lists for parish assemblies. I personally compiled these lists together with our rector, to prevent exactly such situations. None of our parishioners voted for the transition or the new charter – I know this firsthand. Now, another priest serves there, and other people attend. I don’t know whether their Christian conscience is troubled by acquiring the church unjustly. As with the Lazar case, the question remains.
Why I Stay in the Church
I cannot change jurisdictions because, as I said, I belong to both. My reasons for staying are:
- The embodiment of the Church of Christ in each individual parish – for where two or three are gathered in Christ’s name, He is among them.
- Understanding that the Church is not reduced to the sins of its earthly structures. The Church is about Love, Faith, and life in Christ.
So I continue to be in the Church, without renouncing any of its parts. However, I will absolutely not attend a UOC church that bears even the slightest hint of the “Russian world,” nor a OCU church seized by force or trickery. That place is a source of shame, as I have described. Let that shame remain an unshameable stain.
Photo: Forged charter
Photo: Cooperation agreement between the Crimean Diocese and Russian Black Sea Fleet
