The Ukrainian Orthodox Church did not break with anyone. She remained in unity with the Russian Orthodox Church and with other Local Orthodox Churches, except for those that took the path of schism. This was stated by the chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeev) of Volokolamsk, writes the DECR Communication Service.

“The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has not separated from anyone, has not broken with anyone. She remained in unity with the Russian Orthodox Church and with other Local Orthodox Churches, except for those that (we hope temporarily), unfortunately, embarked on the path of schism. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has given a reliable rebuff to those slanderers who are trying to deprive her of her property, churches, monasteries, her own legal name, wanting to rename her, for example, into the “Russian Church in Ukraine”, or in some other way.

But we both supported and will continue to support the unity of our Church. And all our efforts should be directed to ensuring this unity,” the hierarch said.