UOC MP recognized by the Russian Church. The religious scholar explained what will happen next

According to glavcom.ua: According to the latest data, the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience has recognized the UOC MP as affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which may lead to the loss of churches of the Moscow church community. Religious studies expert, Doctor of Philosophical Sciences Oleksandr Brodetsky in his interview for the source 'Glavkom' noted that state authorities may send demands to all parishes and churches associated with the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the UOC MP to distinguish ties with Moscow.

As Brodetsky pointed out, the first requirement for severing ties with Moscow will be addressed to the Kyiv Metropolitanate of the UOC MP, under whose jurisdiction other eparchies and parishes are grouped since the UOC takes on all legal obligations.

Brodetsky explained that the communities of the Moscow church may lose churches that are on the balance of the city authorities, even if they retain registration and update their statutes. However, the expert emphasized that parishioners can continue to gather and attend services, although problems may arise in case of spreading the ideology of 'Russian peace'.

The Ukrainian church is currently undergoing a difficult period due to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The decision to separate from the Moscow Patriarchate could have far-reaching consequences for communities in Ukraine, particularly regarding the right to choose one's faith and the establishment of a national church.