WCC members reveal to Orthodox Times: The role of the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine

By Efi Efthymiou

Members of the World Council of Churches (WCC) delegation , who visited Kyiv in recent days, witnessed firsthand the political and ecclesiastical maneuvering taking place at the expense of Orthodox Ukrainians.

During their visit, the WCC representatives met with Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine , representatives of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, government officials, and civilians living through the consequences of the ongoing war.

The delegation also requested a meeting with a representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onufriy. Their request was granted, and they held talks with Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovina.

According to sources of orthodoxtimes.com with knowledge of the discussions, Metropolitan Meletiy left no room for misunderstanding regarding the role and position of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

He unequivocally condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and firmly stated that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has severed all ties with the Patriarchate of Moscow.

“They have killed members of our flock and our priests. Most of the churches they are bombing…