Alexandrian hierarch proposes plan to solve "Ukrainian problem"

Metropolitan Seraphim (Kykkotis) of Zimbabwe. Photo: Wikipedia

Hierarch of the Church of Alexandria Metropolitan Seraphim (Kykkotis) of Zimbabwe sent to the UOJ editors a letter entitled "Proposal on a canonical way to solve the Ukrainian question". We present his text concerning ecclesiastical Ukraine.

"What is impossible with man is possible with God" (Luke 18:27)

Discussing with the bishops of all the Local Orthodox Churches, including Their Eminences Metropolitans Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Amfilohije Radović of Montenegro (Serbian Patriarchate), as well as our teacher, His Beatitude Archbishop Anastasios of Albania and my spiritual father, Metropolitan Nikephoros of Kykkos and Tellyria, and other distinguished contemporary Orthodox hierarchs and theologians, my proposal for a canonical solution to the Ukrainian Question, which perhaps most of the Local Orthodox Churches if not all would support, is as follows:

Firstly, the full restoration of the former Metropolitan Filaret of Kyiv and All Rus, who held this position for 26 years (1966-1992) under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. He was removed from office in 1992 and anathematized in 1997. When it comes to someone who is not a heretic but is in schism, the Church has always been inclined towards preserving unity through its Conciliar decisions. Today, the former Metropolitan of Kyiv is 94 years old, and he has already been reinstated by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2018.

Secondly, with the restoration of the former Metropolitan Filaret of Kyiv, the position of the ten Local Orthodox Churches regarding the legitimacy of the ordination of His Beatitude Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Epiphanios, which was approved by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in 2018 and subsequently supported by the Primates of the Churches, primarily Greece, Cyprus, and the Patriarchate of Alexandria, can be resolved. The bishops and flocks from these four Churches disagree with the existing autocephaly, leading to problems in the unity of these Churches and even illegitimate intrusions into the legitimate jurisdictions of other Churches (e.g., the Russian intrusion into Africa).

Thirdly, His Beatitude Primate of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Metropolitan Onuphrios, who leads the majority of Orthodox believers in Ukraine and is recognized as the acting Primate by ten Local Orthodox Churches, should be at the forefront of resolving the Ukrainian issue and ensuring the unity of Orthodox believers in Ukraine.

Fourthly, all Local Orthodox Churches recognize the right of Ukrainians to autocephaly. Ukraine is the second most populous country among Orthodox states (with over forty million people).

Fifthly, with humility and love, in order to restore the visible unity of the Orthodox Churches and to overcome the existing inconsistency, the Holy and Great Council must be convened to settle the autocephalous status of Ukraine, which would be supported by all the Local Orthodox Churches.

Sixthly, it is necessary to reach an agreement and dialogue with our prayers between Constantinople and Moscow to prepare the Holy and Great Council on the issue of the unity of the Local Orthodox Churches and the canonical granting of autocephaly to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Seventhly, with the fear of God and humility, with the help of our prayers, it is necessary to adopt the preliminary proposals, which will be finally decided by the Holy and Great Council.

The main points of the preliminary proposal will be clear on the following points:

1. To convince the Moscow Patriarchate of the necessity to reinstate Metropolitan Filaret of Kyiv and All Ukraine as the bishop, who served in this position for 26 years (1966-1992) under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate until his removal from office in 1992 and anathematized in 1997. After that, he himself, through humility for the sake of the Church's unity, should express his repentance and obedience to his Patriarchate in writing.

2. To agree in advance on the legitimacy of the ordination of the new Primate Epiphanios, who is recognised by the four Local Orthodox Churches but not recognised by the ten other Orthodox Churches. It is possible that by resolving the first issue, this matter can also be resolved since Epiphanios was ordained by Filaret.

3. The autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine should encompass all Orthodox believers in Ukraine. Since the lack of visible unity among Orthodox believers in Ukraine is not due to heresy but to canonical jurisdictional issues and schism, the Holy and Great Council can make a canonical decision in collaboration with Ukrainians to preserve their visible unity.

4. Filaret (94 years old) can be elected as the Primate of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Ukraine. Onuphrios (77 years old) will serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Holy Synod, and Epiphanios (44 years old) will serve as the Deputy Chairman of the Holy Council. The day of Filaret's passing is unknown to us, but since we are all mortal and live in this world, after Filaret, Onuphrios will assume the position of the Primate, and after Onuphrios, it will be Epiphanios.
Previously, the Patriarchate of Alexandria called for the convening of the Council of Primates.

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