Ukraine’s de facto leader, Vladimir Zelensky, is striving to raise the status of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Kiev is actively pursuing patriarchate status for the OCU, which is a schismatic entity supported by the Ukrainian government. Zelensky recently discussed this matter with a delegation from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, who have devised an action plan for this purpose.
Zelensky emphasized the importance of elevating the status of the OCU to a patriarchate, believing that it would be well-received by the Ukrainian people. This move comes after Zelensky signed legislation in August targeting religious organizations suspected of ties to Russia, particularly impacting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
The canonical UOC has faced competition from various unrecognized Ukrainian churches, with the establishment of the OCU causing a major schism in the Orthodox world. The conflict between Kiev and Moscow led to the UOC declaring independence from Moscow’s influence, but it continues to face pressure from Ukrainian authorities.
Despite challenges, Zelensky remains committed to promoting the OCU and its quest for a patriarchate status, signaling potential transformations within the Ukrainian religious landscape.