Ukrainian Orthodox Church Clarifies Andrii Marutsak's Standing: Recognized Solely as a Monk

The Case of Andrii Marutsak

According to Главком: Metropolitan Yevstratiy (Zoria), a spokesman for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), has clarified the canonical status of Andrii Marutsak, who was suspended from administering his diocese. According to the Metropolitan, the OCU now recognizes Andrii Marutsak only as a monk. Marutsak, who previously identified himself as the manager of affairs for the Kyiv Patriarchate and secretary of the synod, attempted to convene a synod meeting, but no one attended.

Andrii Marutsak is the Archbishop of Pereiaslav and Bila Tserkva for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP). However, following his removal from diocesan administration, he has been barred from performing priestly duties. As Metropolitan Yevstratiy noted,

"Andrii Marutsak has no congregation, no place of ministry, and no clergy under his authority"

- a statement highlighting the dramatic situation in which Marutsak finds himself.

Support and Recognition

Furthermore, Metropolitan Yevstratiy reported that, based on social media activity, support for the group led by Nikodim (Kobzar) appears limited to about a dozen parishes across various regions of Ukraine. This indicates a narrow base of recognition and backing.

It is also important to note that Patriarch Filaret (Mykhailo Denysenko) of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine passed away on March 20, 2023, at the age of 97. Following his death, Archbishop Nikodim (Kobzar) of Sumy and Okhtyrka was unanimously elected as the new Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus-Ukraine through a secret ballot. This development is part of the complex evolution of Ukrainian Orthodoxy, which saw the UOC-KP dissolved in late 2018 upon the receipt of the Tomos of autocephaly and the creation of the unified Orthodox Church of Ukraine.

The situation surrounding Andrii Marutsak reflects the internal processes and challenges facing the Orthodox Church of Ukraine following the loss of influential leaders like Patriarch Filaret. His suspension may signal shifts in the church hierarchy and a struggle for influence within the OCU, particularly in the context of new leadership elections. It also points to potential internal divisions that could impact the church's future development and stability.

In light of the recent developments regarding Andrii Marutsak's status, it is crucial to understand the broader implications for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The ongoing attempts to reinstate the Kyiv Patriarchate have been met with significant opposition, as highlighted by the Church's strong condemnation of these revival efforts. This context sheds light on the challenges faced by Marutsak and his supporters within the current ecclesiastical landscape.