Kyiv Metropolis of the OCU Rejects Revival of Kyiv Patriarchate
On April 1, 2026, Metropolitan Yevstratiy (Zorya) of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) articulated the Kyiv Metropolis's stance against efforts to restore the Kyiv Patriarchate. He denounced these actions as an illegitimate assembly and stressed that His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy is the sole Patriarchal Vicar. Metropolitan Yevstratiy also rejected the recognition of Archbishop Nykyta (Kobzar) of Sumy and Okhtyrka as a patriarch.
According to reports, Archbishop Nykyta (Kobzar) was unanimously elected Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine via a secret ballot. The act of his election as primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) was published on Nykyta's social media channels. Metropolitan Yevstratiy stated that
"from the perspective of the Kyiv Metropolis, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, and based on canonical law, this is nothing other than an illegitimate assembly, and its participants are subject to church condemnation."
He further added that
"the statements of the UOC-KP are worthless and subject to condemnation. The OCU does not recognize Nykyta of Sumy as any kind of patriarch."Metropolitan Yevstratiy pointed out that Russian Metropolitan Shibayev and the Russian Orthodox Church as a whole are attempting to interfere in church affairs, labeling the pseudo-vote for the so-called Patriarch Nykyta as "Russian IPSO" (information-psychological operations). This reflects the ongoing geopolitical tensions influencing religious structures in the region.
The Religious Landscape in Ukraine
Emphasizing the importance of statutory documents, Metropolitan Yevstratiy noted they have remained unchanged for the past seven years. Consequently, the position of the Kyiv Metropolis of the OCU is unwavering, and attempts to revive the Kyiv Patriarchate lack official support within church circles.
This statement highlights the OCU's ongoing efforts to solidify its position amidst Ukraine's complex religious landscape. Conflicts between various church structures, particularly between the OCU and the UOC-KP, continue to create tension, impacting both religious and political spheres in Ukraine. The OCU's refusal to recognize a new patriarchate demonstrates its intent to preserve the unity and canonical legitimacy of its structure, despite external pressures and internal disputes. The situation remains a critical aspect of Ukraine's broader struggle for ecclesiastical and national sovereignty.
In light of the recent condemnation by Metropolitan Yevstratiy regarding the revival of the Kyiv Patriarchate, it is crucial to understand the broader implications for religious communities in Ukraine. The dissolution of the Kyiv Patriarchate and the passing of Patriarch Filaret have significantly reshaped the landscape of Orthodox Christianity in the region, revealing the ongoing tensions and challenges faced by these communities.