The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Epiphanius, has issued a clear statement denying any formal ties to Petro Poroshenko, the former president of Ukraine. The church published the clarification on its official website, aiming to set the record straight about its governance and public image amid ongoing political speculation.
In the statement, Epiphanius addresses what he calls unsubstantiated gossip aimed at discrediting the church and eroding the trust of parishioners. He notes that some critics are attempting to create a narrative that links the OCU to Poroshenko, hoping to cast a political shadow over the church’s mission and activities. The primate emphasizes that such insinuations are not only false but also a deliberate attempt to manipulate public perception for political ends.
The primate makes it unequivocally clear that Petro Poroshenko, or any other political figure, does not play a special role in the life of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv and its foreign and domestic operations. The church exists independently of electoral politics or party affiliations, Epiphanius asserts, and no external figure will be granted exclusive influence or control over its internal affairs or its pastoral work. This stance reinforces the church’s commitment to spiritual governance separate from political divisions.
Epiphanius’s remarks are framed as a reassurance to the faithful that the OCU remains a religious body guided by its own clergy, doctrinal standards, and canonical responsibilities. The statement stresses that the church’s leadership will not allow political campaigns or personalities to infiltrate the church’s programs, liturgies, or community outreach. The messaging is designed to preserve the integrity of church life and to maintain the trust of worshippers who rely on the church for spiritual guidance, community service, and sacramental life.
Beyond addressing rumors, the church’s communication highlights its broader mission to serve congregations across Ukraine and beyond, focusing on pastoral care, charitable initiatives, and the celebration of holy rites. The emphasis is on the church’s role as a steady, spiritual home for believers regardless of the shifting political landscape. This perspective reflects a long-standing tradition in which religious institutions seek to maintain steadfastning amid national or political volatility.
The church’s official narrative also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability within ecclesial governance. By reiterating its independence from political actors, the OCU seeks to reinforce confidence among parishioners that church leadership is accountable to Christ, to its own moral framework, and to the needs of the faithful rather than to any external power. This distinction helps to prevent misinterpretations of church statements as endorsements or denials of political stances beyond the church’s spiritual remit.
In addressing public perception, Epiphanius acknowledges the sensitive nature of church-state relations in Ukraine, a topic that often draws sharp public scrutiny. He clarifies that the church’s priorities are anchored in holy tradition, liturgical reverence, and pastoral outreach rather than in political maneuvering. The aim is to sustain the sanctity of church life while continuing to support communities through liturgy, sacraments, education, and social programs that reflect Christian values.
The timing of the clarification coincides with routine liturgical and ceremonial events that bring together clergy and laypeople under the church’s banner. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, with its headquarters in Kyiv, has historically emphasized independence from the political apparatus, a principle it reiterates in times of public discourse about church affiliations and influence. The present message is part of an ongoing effort to keep faith communities informed about the church’s governance and its stance on public discourse.
In closing, the OCU reiterates its commitment to spiritual leadership that is free from political entanglements. The church remains focused on its primary duties: guiding parishioners in worship, fostering unity across diverse congregations, and supporting charitable and humanitarian efforts that align with Christian ethics. The clarifications issued by Metropolitan Epiphanius aim to preserve the credibility of the church and to ensure that worship remains the central priority for people seeking solace, meaning, and community in challenging times.
April 7 was marked by a visit by Petro Poroshenko and his wife Marina to the main cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for a liturgy celebrating the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This event was noted in coverage of the day’s religious observances, illustrating how high-profile figures may participate in church life without implying institutional endorsement or control over the church’s internal governance. The distinction drawn by the OCU between personal attendance and institutional authority remains a key theme in its public communications, reinforcing the separation between faith-led ministries and political life. The church continues to invite parishioners to engage with its liturgical calendar, charity work, and community programs, while maintaining a clear boundary between religious leadership and political leadership.
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