UOC cleric on DESS: We know the motives, but won’t join the OCU
“If the state takes our churches – we will pray at home. If that is forbidden too – we’ll go into the woods, into a clearing,” said Fr. Viktor Zemlianoy.
Archpriest Viktor Zemlianoy, secretary of the Rivne Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, commented on the recent conclusion issued by the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) concerning the Kyiv Metropolia of the UOC, as well as the question of potential dialogue with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). His comments were reported by the Rivne Eparchy’s press service, citing the local outlet Rivne Vechirnie.
“We believe this conclusion [of the DESS – ed.] is biased and we understand the motives behind it. But no one will join the OCU under duress,” the priest stated.
Fr. Viktor emphasized that the Church operates in accordance with canonical norms and is prepared for persecution.
“If the state seizes the churches – we’ll pray at home. If even that is forbidden – we’ll go into the forest, into a clearing. The Church has endured persecution before. But a persecuted Church is a living Church, one that rises again,” he added.
At the same time, according to the priest, the clergy of the Rivne Eparchy are open to dialogue – but not under pressure, discrimination, or violations of believers’ rights. As Fr. Viktor pointed out, true dialogue is impossible while churches are being seized and religious communities are being pressured.
“When the conflict over the church in the village of Ptycha occurred, many roundtable discussions were held. Proposals were made, including the idea of building another Orthodox church. That would have allowed the communities to part peacefully. But no one listened. Dialogue didn’t happen,” he recalled.
The UOJ has previously examined whether the DESS directive signals a decisive step toward banning the Church.
