UAOC, UOC-KP - The fist fighting has begun.

There's no "sad" button to click.

Lord have mercy !

I wish I could say I didn't see this coming, but I'd be lying if I did.

Lord have mercy.

This situation seems to be getting worse, God help the Orthodox Church.

He will, this is nothing new

Yeah, there were fistfights and things even back in the Byzantine days. This is most unfortunate, though.

I think it's time to post this prayer again


Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, give us the strength to love as Thou has commanded us.

As Thou has said to thy disciples, "Love one another, as I have loved you,” give us the grace and wisdom to fulfil this commandment every day.

Through Thy Holy Spirit, give us the courage to humble ourselves in front of others, understanding that the one who loves more also humbles himself more.

Teach us to pray for each other and to bear each other's burdens patiently; by the bond of an unwavering love unite us around our patriarchs and bishops like the docile sheep of a single flock gather around their shepherds whom they love.

Grant us to see in each of our brothers and in each of our sisters the image of Thine inefable glory, and never forget that our brothers and sisters are part of our own life.

Place us under the protection of Thy Most Holy Mother, Thy Forerunner John the Baptist and all our venerable Doctors, Fathers, Mothers and Confessors of the Faith. Amen.

amen!

JasonV said:

"Where there is schism and bad feeling, God has no place." -St Ignatius of Antioch to the Philadelphians

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Rather ironic that you of all people should post this.

Forgive my ignorance, it's all a bit confusing, but am I correct in understanding that this is the two schismatic groups that HAH Bartholomew has "legitimized" fighting with each other?

peregrinus2017 said:

Forgive my ignorance, it's all a bit confusing, but am I correct in understanding that this is the two schismatic groups that HAH Bartholomew has "legitimized" fighting with each other?

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Technically, all he's done (that I know of) is lift the anathemas and excommunications against two specific people and re-assert his jurisdiction's jurisdiction in Ukraine.

And yes to @Anhelyna , plus

Saint Philip of Moscow, pray for us!

peregrinus2017 said:

Forgive my ignorance, it's all a bit confusing, but am I correct in understanding that this is the two schismatic groups that HAH Bartholomew has "legitimized" fighting with each other?

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Correct. The same two that agreed to the EP statement of receiving them on the EP website not to steal each others parishes and commit acts of violence against each other.

So essentially it's accepting and trying to force two schismatic groups to rejoin and get along that's causing the problems? If the anathemas hadn't been lifted by HAH Bartholomew they would still be simply two separated schismatic groups?

So this is not "The Church" as it has been, but two non-Church entities (formerly) that are being pushed together?

Lord have mercy - certainly. I don't want to speculate on why this is happening or what God will do through this - I only hope that something (or various somethings) that was/were formerly broken or out of order will be improved or healed in the end. Whatever that may look like.

~Anastasia~ said:

So essentially it's accepting and trying to force two schismatic groups to rejoin and get along that's causing the problems? If the anathemas hadn't been lifted by HAH Bartholomew they would still be simply two separated schismatic groups?

So this is not "The Church" as it has been, but two non-Church entities (formerly) that are being pushed together?

Lord have mercy - certainly. I don't want to speculate on why this is happening or what God will do through this - I only hope that something (or various somethings) that was/were formerly broken or out of order will be improved or healed in the end. Whatever that may look like.

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not only that, but doing so without the consent of the existing canonical Church in that territory.

ArmyMatt said:

not only that, but doing so without the consent of the existing canonical Church in that territory.

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I acknowledge that as well.

It's a mess. I only hope God is or will be using it to fix something - and that He has great mercy especially on all the laity and priests affected in the meantime.

~Anastasia~ said:

So this is not "The Church" as it has been, but two non-Church entities (formerly) that are being pushed together?

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Correct. The canonical church of Ukraine is headed by Metropolitan Onufry. These two are the imposters who have the backing of the government. And have entered into communion with the EP. Part of the agreement was not to steal each others properties.