Contrary to Tomos: Yelensky discusses “pastoral care” abroad with OCU

Viktor Yelensky and representatives of the OCU. Photo: DESS

The head of the State Ethnic Policy, Viktor Yelensky, discussed with two “priests” of the OCU “the pastoral care of Orthodox Ukrainians who ended up living outside of Ukraine,” reports the DESS Facebook page.

The message emphasizes that the interlocutors paid “particular attention” to the problems of refugees in Western and Central-Eastern Europe, “seeking to join traditional Ukrainian liturgical practices and worship in the Ukrainian language.”

It is worth noting that the provisions of the Tomos of the OCU prohibit the establishment of parishes outside the country. All OCU believers outside Ukraine should fall under the jurisdiction of the Phanar clergy.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew discussed “current issues” with Yelensky at the Phanar.

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