Ongoing Struggle Over Oнуфрій’s Citizenship: Political Tensions and Challenges for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Recent developments surrounding Metropolitan Onufriy have sparked a complex array of reactions among the public and experts alike. Religious scholars and journalists highlight that the decision to revoke his Ukrainian citizenship appears more as a political maneuver than a legal necessity. Kateryna Shkotkina, a well-known expert in religious studies, notes that this situation raises suspicions about the government's intentions toward the UOC MP, which is currently seen as a tool manipulated to serve geopolitical interests. According to her, discussions about Oнуфрій's status and role have been ongoing since 2014, after the outbreak of the war, when he assumed leadership of a church with historically close ties to Moscow. The question arises: why, after more than twenty years, did evidence suddenly emerge suggesting Oнуфрій held a Russian passport, something that could have remained undisclosed? Many believe this is part of political games and a demonstration of power. As for future actions, the expert suggests the possibilities include either deporting Oнуфрій to Russia—more likely—or prosecuting him legally with potential sanctions. She emphasizes that such measures send a strong message to other church leaders and believers who hesitate about leaving the UOC MP. Publicly showing such repressive measures indicates the Ukrainian authorities' desire to strengthen ties with pro-Moscow church structures and to push church leaders to choose Ukrainian independence. Furthermore, if deported, it is speculated that a new hierarch, possibly Metropolitan Antoniy Pakanych, supported previously by Yanukovych's regime and Moscow, could replace Oнуфрій. This could significantly alter church hierarchies and shift the balance of power within Ukraine’s religious landscape. Overall, the political and religious scenario remains complex and unstable, with government actions raising many questions about their ultimate goals and the impact on Ukrainian church independence.