Department for External Church Relations
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Cleric and his flock have returned from schism to canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church
On 8 July 2019, Metropolitan Antony of Borispol and Brovary, chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, met with a community of the Church of the Dormition in the village of Morozovka, Borispol diocese. Rev. Nikolai Brega, suspended for his deviation into the schism, repented and expressed his wish to return to the bosom of the canonical Church.
The Information and Education department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church referring to Metropolitan Antony’sYouTube, he accepted repentance of the former cleric of the diocese and blessed him to return to the bosom of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, saying: ‘As a ruling bishop of the Borispol diocese I accept your repentance. Let us pray to the Lord, asking him to unite that was separated. I hope, Fr. Nikolai, for your conscientious position as well as that of the whole parish.’
Metropolitan Antony reminded those gathered that schism is a sin against the Church. He called ‘the substitution of the Church of Christ for political surrogate’ a misfortune and added that a man, who succumbed into temptation of betraying his Church, ‘takes the path of Judas. But a Christian can always return. As in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, the Lord and the Holy Church are always expecting to embrace this man.’
The hierarch underscored that the Church should not deal with matters of political order. The Church is for the soul and its salvation. You have returned because the Lord has touched your souls and led you to repentance.’ Metropolitan Antony wished the priest and parishioners to leave the temptations behind and be faithful even in the face of pressure and deception.
Rev. Nikolai Brega said that the decision to return was taken by the entire community. ‘We discussed the matter during the whole month and resolve d that it was necessary to return to the canonical Chirch and stay far away from any politics. The truth is there where God and the Church, grace and the Holy Spirit are'. So, the whole community has repented and returned to the Church which has nourished us,’ he added.
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