The Canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church has publicly reaffirmed that the Council’s May decisions to establish full autonomy from the Moscow Patriarchate were the right course. This stance reflects a longstanding trajectory within Ukrainian church life, where local ecclesial governance has steadily become more self-reliant and oriented to Ukraine’s spiritual leadership, distinct from external directives. The bishops, clergy, monks, and lay parishioners who participated in the discussions emphasized that the outcomes recorded in the council resolution mark a decisive turn in the church’s structure and personality within the Ukrainian context.
In a detailed statement, the UOC explained that after extensive and constructive discussions, the participants arrived at a number of important conclusions. These conclusions, now part of the official council resolution, were endorsed by a broad spectrum of church life and reflect a shared conviction about how the church should be organized and operated going forward. The release notes that the yearly rhythm of church life has demonstrated the soundness of these decisions, reinforcing trust in the path chosen by the council and the community it serves.
The UOC Council, which serves as the highest governing body of the church, met in Kyiv on May 27, 2022, amid ongoing Russian military actions in Ukraine. The deliberations considered how war and external pressure intersect with religious life, and what that means for the church’s relationship with its faithful. The council’s discussions included critical scrutiny of external narratives about the conflict and the role of leadership within the broader Eastern Orthodox world. In this context, the council reflected on the call that religious leaders bear to protect life and promote reconciliation, while recognizing that political struggles should not undermine the spiritual mission of the church.
The council proceeded to adopt amendments to the Statute governing the administration of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. These amendments articulated the principle of full independence and self-governance for the Ukrainian church, signaling a clear break from previous formal ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. Priest Andrei Pinchuk of the UOC-MP commented that the connections between the Ukrainian church and Moscow had been removed, underscoring a new era of autonomous ecclesial governance. Further context and analysis of these changes are explored in a contemporary report from reliable outlets, which provide additional background on how the statutory framework now supports local leadership and administration within Ukraine [Source attribution: UOC official statements].