OUR HISTORY

Our Ecclesial Canonicity

THE AUTONOMOUS ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WESTERN EUROPE AND CANADA

His Holiness Patriarch Volodymir Romaniuk established the Holy Synod of the: Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada – UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) - (PK (Patriarchate of Kyiv) in December 1993 AD immediately after his election to the patriarchal see (14th October 1993AD)

Instantly after the first winter session of the Holy Synod of Bishops, the patriarchate sealed that very foundation through a Sacred Tomos (Decree of Institution) the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada with its primatial (diocesan) headquarters in the Apostolic City (founded by Apostle St. Barnabas 52AD) of Milan.

This Patriarchal Mandate of Mission was bestowed us almost 30 years ago, for service to the Ukrainian diaspora and in particular the Western Orthodox (not in the ritualistic sense) which was dear to his heart. This pastoral care was also set in place earlier on by the Moscow Patriarchate in the 1970’s and 1980’s with the hope of reviving Holy Orthodoxy amongst its western peoples.

Yet, there seems to be somewhat of a grand confusion due to poor speculation regarding the “Milan Synod” and our Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada – UOC PK (Patriarch of Kyiv): from the 20th of February of 1997 AD – these two realities are clearly two completely different entities.

Hence, the Synod of Milan and Aquileia was created by the former Metropolitan of Milan (Metropolitan Evlogious Hessler + 2019AD) immediately after the canonical relationship between him and the Patriarch of Kiev (Patriarch Philaret) fragmented (20th February of 1997 AD) as previously mentioned above.

Thus, the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada – UOC PK (Patriarchate of Kyiv), continued its canonical existence – remote from all ecclesial upheavals. Within the Holy Synod, the following members: Archbishops Lazar, and Varlam, left the Synod with canonical release (1996AD) - entering the OCA American Orthodox Church MP (Moscow Patriarchate).

Moreover, Metropolitan Michel Laroche and Bishop Laurence were then absorbed by the direct Omophorion (Pallium of canonical authority) of Patriarch Philaret. Furthermore, Archbishop Gregory of Aquileia reposed (1999AD) whilst Metropolitan Evlogius (reposed 20th January 2019AD) was then expelled by the will of Patriarch Philaret (20TH February 1997AD).

The remaining members of the Holy Synod continued by the Tomos (decree) given to that very same Archdiocese from December of 1993 AD in safeguarding its mission (as proved in the patriarchal bull and canonical epistles of 1997 to 1998 AD between the patriarch and the two bishops: Metropolitan Basilio of Ostia and Metropolitan Volodymir of St. Julius) remaining part of the Autonomous orthodox church of Western Europe and Canada UOC PK (Patriarchate of Kyiv).

Therefore, our Holy Synod has now 8 bishops along with various parishes and monasteries throughout Western Europe and Canada – exclusively at the service of the Diaspora.

THE CURRENT HOLY SYNOD OF WESTERN EUROPE AND CANADA

Metropolitan Volodymir and Metropolitan Nicholas in Italy.
Metropolitan Raffaele of the British Isles (in Australia)
Metropolitan Cyrille and Bishop Nicholas in Canada.
Metropolitan Eugene in Spain.
Metropolitan Vladimir in Montenegro.
Bishop Basile in France.

Thus, when the Patriarchate of Kyiv still existed canonically speaking (dissolved in 2018 AD) it ceased canonical relations with the sole Metropolitan of Milan. Yet, the Patriarchate never annulled its canonical relationship with the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada - UOC PK (Patriarchate of Kyiv), for it continued to honour the Tomos (decree) bestowed upon it – remaining an active canonical entity along with its autonomous ecclesial rights of direction as decreed.

In addition, the Patriarch kept cordial correspondence with the remaining two bishops as the means of communion. Hence, Metropolitans Basilio and Volodymir were never tarnished by canonical violations - continuing the exercising of episcopal authority thus ratified by Orthodox Christendom.

Furthermore, the Holy Canons do not express within themselves the possibility of a Mother Church to withdraw a Tomos (Decree) of autonomy or autocephaly (a fact that is absent in all of ecclesial history). Such laws prescribe that, when a Metropolitan dishonour the tomos, he is then excluded from the Holy Synod (the Patriarch intervenes).

The presidency of that very synod is then awarded/passes to the most senior hierarch of the synod (i.e.: Metropolitan Basilio) whilst the former Metropolitan primate’s right to elect and consecrate bishops in the name of the Church is withheld (This is exactly what took place with the new creation entitled: Synod of Milan/Aquileia) Such rights conferred with the remainder of the synodal bishops – Vladika Basilio (reposed December 19th 2021AD) and his Eminence Metropolitan Volodymir of St. Julius Island.

Therefore, two hierarchs (Metropolitans Basilio is the firth ranking bishop of prominence in eldering 62 bishops to date whilst Metropolitan Volodymir is the seventh out of the 62 bishops to date) composing to the present. These two bishops are the most senior and important of all bishops within the Ukrainian Church PK who are part of the Holy Synod of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) PK (Patriarchate of Kyiv)

These very two bishops along with all 62 (AS LISTED) bishops which were fully recognized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Alexandria, Cyprus and Greece in 2018AD). These same metropolitans were invited as active participants by the Church in Kyiv for the Patriarchal election (1995AD) after the repose of His Holiness Volodymir Romaniuk.

Having stated thus, no “Synod of Milan” or “Metropolis of Aquileia” may never substitute the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC - PK which the saintly Patriarch Volodymir established along with the rights of its bishops which have never been excommunicated nor asked to vacate the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC PK

Moreover, the original copy of the Sacred Tomos was bestowed in the very hands of the Metropolitan of Milan (Metropolitan Evlogios Hessler) on the 14th March in 1994 AD for these bishops inscribed upon the holy parchment represented the Holy Synod.

Yet, on the 20th February of 1997 AD the Metropolitan of Milan should have fulfilled his canonical duty in handing over that very Tomos to the Holy Synod - failing to do so via withholding thus as if it were a personal document. Hence, due to such canonical violations, the Holy Synod of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC PK possesses a copy of the sacred original. Yet, the original parchment is in the personal possession of the entourage of the so called “Metropolis of Aquileia”.

Hence, reaffirming the canonicity and continuation (as thus was never dissolved) of the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC PK. This same Church in all its canonical communities, is now more alive and active than ever through the protection of the Mother of God, the intercessions of our saints, and in particular, through the prayers of our saintly Patriarch Volodymir Romaniuk whose desire of service to the diaspora was close to his heart.

Further, the two bishops of the ancient synod under the patronage of Patriarch Volodymir Romaniuk – Metropolitan Vasilij (Basilio – who reposed on the 19th December 2021 AD) and Metropolitan Volodymir of St. Julius remain canonically sound within the Holy Synod which was never dissolved nor tarnished; a grace from God and an irony of fate.

Therefore, all that which came to pass has in actual fact allowed the survival of the diaspora of the Autonomous Orthodox Church – according to the will of the saintly Patriarch Volodymir Romaniuk! Hence, this very same canonical Church within the Diaspora lives within the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada UOC PK, through its Eparchies, Monasteries and Parishes.

These same two bishops Metropolitans Basilio and Volodymir consecrated the Metropolitan of Korson (Orthodox Church in Ukraine – Ecumenical Patriarchate) Vladyka Michel Laroche – who was never re-consecrated but accepted (Ecumenical Patriarchate) with all the canonical titles received by the AUTONOMOUS ORTHODOX CHURCH OF WESTERN EUROPE AND CANADA UOC PK in 1996AD.

It is to be boldly noted that the Patriarch of Constantinople FULLY ACCEPTED THE ORDERS OF OUR CHURCH by admitting fully Metropolitan Michael Laroche of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (EC) Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate has bestowed autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine and further maintained a rather aggressive tone towards the diaspora! The Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada – UOC PK declines from casting stones towards the concept of the Great Church – embodied in the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

The members that form our Holy Synod (Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada PK) from the beginning – within the 1993 AD Patriarchate of Kiev to the present were all consecrated in the Apostolic Succession of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad via the hands of Metropolitan Basilio and Metropolitan Volodymir who were its last bishops.

The Holy Synod affirms that our Apostolic Succession (consecrations within the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada PK) to that (Apostolic Succession) of Patriarch Philaret differs in linage!

Although the successions mentioned are the same through the Russian Church, yet there are two different ecclesial realities within its linage. Our Church did not receive the laying on of hands by the linage of Philaret which came directly from the Patriarch of Moscow 1962AD, our linage came from the Russian Church Abroad.

For those who have limited insight regarding the Russian Church abroad, it is vital to shed light upon the subject at hand via sifting away the dust of misconceptions. When one thinks back to ecclesial schisms and the blood bath they have caused: the enemies of the Church are not outside, but the very people within who seek to hijack the agenda of the Holy Spirit whilst claiming to serve in his name, yet harbour venom onto anyone who obstructs their objectives!

Having stated thus, there also exists a most troubling issue amongst the Elder Tradition family (Old Believers) as we know only too well; human nature has the tendency to desire dominion over others – the cause of various splits within the Church which is called Schism.

Now schism exists in two categories (1) the splitting due to dominance (governance) issues (2) the breaking away due to practice. This (Schism) of course has nothing to do with heresy (departure from doctrine), nor with validity of status (apostolic canonicity) but are the results of in house fighting as is the case within each household; the result of members eventually vacating the property.

Regarding Schism, there are many Old Believer groups who were ignorantly labelled invalid due to breaking communion (unity) with a particular branch/Episcopal See of the Church. Again, this breaking away was the result of political interference!

Hence, when we look at the Church present in Slavonic lands “Russia” as the par excellence of an example, we had an unfortunate occurrence within the Patriarchal See (Moscow) which was ridden with agents of the Communist regime. The Church witnessed a slaughterhouse regime; many holy men and women became the offered lambs – often martyred within their own church temples.

For those of you who may not be aware, the Catacomb Church was opposed to the state Church who under the puppet Metropolitan – the compromised and invalid patriarch (bishop no- 186) SERGIUS STRAGORDOSKY in 1927 AD who pledged his undying support for Stalin; placed the protection of this anti-Church into Stalin’s bloody hands!

Although the Church in such lands bore witness to the Gospel of Christ via blood, yet the situation of dominance became not only intolerable, but demonic! Hence, a great number of clerical hierarchy and laity objected and severed ties - rightfully so with the church structure that was hijacked by those that clearly did not belong to the ecclesial body; turning the Ark of Salvation (Church) into a house of horrors – the titanic!

Thus, it was of sound mind and faith that these holy men and women walked away and fled to the diaspora; canonically and apostolically rendered as (ROCOR) the Church outside of Russia.

Unity in the Church is our prayer - the desire of the Lord for the whole Church to be in communion: “Father, let that they be one as you are in me and I in you; may they share communion in us that the world you have sent me to wholeheartedly draws to conversion and believes in my Name!” (Jn 17:21)

Yet our human fragility gets the better of us and as we know; past blunders and bloodbaths cause people to safeguard their dignity when danger, heresy, and stupidity lingers.

Hence, when we think of what our brothers and sisters of those lands suffered for the sake of the kingdom, and preservation of the faith in the diaspora; a sour taste is left on one’s palate when their offspring turn on those who are Old Believers, and begin accusing that which they once were and suffered for!

The Church in Exile was always mocked by those who considered themselves canonical, yet they tend to forget that a fruitful grace filled Church is one that truly suffers as we hear from the Lord in the Beatitudes: “Blessed are you when they shall hate you, despise you and say all manner of evil against you for holding fast in me: rejoice and be glad for the Kingdom is yours!” (Mt 5:11)

It is truly just and right that schism should be healed between the patriarchal and abroad Church; yet it is truly repugnant and ill-founded when such now shake their finger as a figure of speech onto those who for various reasons belong to the old believer family of the Church; these schisms are only healed via rendering wholehearted witness to the Gospel and synodal recognition!

It is worth noting that when we speak of a timeframe where which there is no episcopal leader (bishop) as patriarch; the orthodox understanding of SEDES VACANTE (vacant See/Throne/Cathedra) is not like the Latin position which calls for a pope in order for the Church to function.

Each bishop regardless of rank shares in the fullness of the priesthood; bestowing continuity! We do not need a pope for Jesus Christ (who is Archbishop of his Church) is the rock of foundation (Ps 18:2) on which the Church is built, where the gift of faith is received and abounds via the blood of its martyrs!

Hence, in a rather noteworthy book ‘the Myth of Papal infallibility’ it is noted on page 23 that: ‘The Greek equivalent for Peter is Petros meaning ‘little stone’. The Greek word for rock is Petra. Petra is feminine; therefore it could not refer to a masculine Peter (a fact conveniently overlooked by Roman Apologists). What Jesus actually said is: “You are Peter” (Petros a little stone) AND UPON THIS ROCK (Your proclamation of me as Christ) I WILL BUILD MY CHURCH, since you alone could not support the weight of its foundation”.

Thus, Jesus will build his Church on a person’s profession of faith of Him as the Christ – not on a mere mortal man as Peter.” For He (Jesus) clarifies this notion later in the account of the Apostle John when the synedrion officials confront him about the riot in the temple and he (Jesus) responds to these: “You will destroy this temple but on the third day it will rise with living stones!” (Jn 2:19)

For he reminds them (the synedrion) as recorded in the account of the Apostle Matthew about Psalm 118 in the 22nd verse where: “the stone that (they) the builders rejected has become the cornerstone of the renewed edifice – a wonder that the Lord only can perform which is marvellous in the site of those who have faith!” (Matt21:42)

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul is very clear in his exhortation to the Church of Corinth that Christ is the Rock as the verse reads: “For no one can lay another foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ”. (1 Cor 3:11) Again, if the Apostle Peter were the head of the Church, why then was he (Peter) overruled by the Apostle James at the Council of Jerusalem as recorded in the 15th chapter of the book of the Acts of the Apostles???

Also, if the Apostle Peter were the head of the Church and infallible, then why was he proven wrong on the issue regarding Christians of gentile origins observing the tenants of the old law??? In addition, there is evidence that up until quite late in the second century the Church of Rome was governed by a council of Presbyters with no Bishop present as bishops were introduced much later as explained by St Jerome:

“The Presbyter is the same as the bishop, and ere by the Devils prompting there came to be competition in religious affairs and people were saying, ‘I am of Paul, I of Cephas,’ the Churches were governed by a joint council of presbyters. Afterwards, when each presbyter thought that those who had been baptised by him belonged to him, the rule was made that one presbyter should be chosen to be above the rest. Accordingly, as the presbyters knew that by custom of the Church they were subject to the person that was placed over them, so the bishops knew that they were above the Presbyters in a consequence of custom rather than any arrangement of true overlordship.”

This exhortation by the much revered Latin Father St Jerome, therefore shows that – yes, bishops are a necessity in the Church of today due to its sheer size and complexity; they provide a source of unity! Furthermore, the above quote highlights the important relationship between the presbyters and bishops.

Presbyters are therefore required to respect their bishop and the bishop is to govern his diocese in consultation with his council of presbyters as they (the presbyters) are the ones who deal with the everyday reality of the Church in his diocese. Finally, if the undeniable fact of Churches been governed by councils of presbyters up until the late second century AD, then how could the Apostle Peter possibly be said to have ordained his papal successors for Rome???

When we open the Book of Acts and behold the spreading of the faith, we come across a champion by the name of St. Joses Barnabas, a Cypriot Jew from the tribe of Levi who was a student together with Saul of Tarsus of one of the rabbinic schools of thought of the time. When Barnabas was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot, Barnabas introduced the newly converted Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem.

Barnabas accompanied Paul along with his nephew Mark the Evangelist and Silas (Silvanus) in their first mission – although Mark went with Peter afterwards. The Apostles were not exempt from human fragility for we see various quarrels arise…..a dispute arose between Barnabas and Paul over Mark (Act 15: 39-40) yet such was solved via parting ways.

Barnabas was a gifted orator and former Levite of the temple - aiding Paul in their missionary journeys as they were the ones set apart to deal with the gentiles; he and Paul converted much of Rome and parts of Italy - later aided by Peter who founded the See of Ravenna whose exarchs alone beginning with (79AD) Apollinaris (a disciple of Peter from Syria) hold the title of Petrine! Therefore, Barnabas introduced Paul to the Apostles gathered at Jerusalem (Act 9:27) after his (Saul baptized as Paul) converted via the Lord’s presence on the road to Damascus (Act 9: 1-19)

He (Barnabas) along with Peter who founded the major Syrian city (Antioch) appoints Paul still known by many as Saul in order to aid catechesis in Antioch (Act 11: 25-26) for Paul was a bright student along with Barnabas in former times under the pharisaic school of law lead by a prominent member of the Sanhedrin - Rabbi Gamaliel (01- 52AD) as mentioned by Paul (Act 22:3) referring to his indisputable understanding of the law and wholehearted conversion; many early Christians feared him (Paul) due to his former persecuting stance at which Barnabas reconciled their trust via his testament.

Let us consider history’s pages upon the matter the Byzantine Empire established its Italian Province (Catepanate) Katepanikion Italias from Monte Gargano to the Gulf of Salerno – embracing Amalfi and Naples. Its major Exarchate of Ravenna fell in 751AD yet was reclaimed in 868AD. Furthermore, Otranto was freed from the Saracens in 873AD whilst Bari was freed from the Arabs in 876AD.

Furthermore, Apulia, Calabria, Campania, Basilicata, and Lucania were reclaimed in 886AD under General Nikephoros Phokas Senior, yet Sicily was lost to the Arabs. The Norman Invasion of 1017AD paved the way for the decline of Byzantine Rule and Spirituality which resulted in 1071AD. Furthermore, the Bishop of Rome was proclaimed Exarch of Ravenna and granted Papal Territories via Prince Pepin the Short (Father of Charlemagne) in 755AD after the defeat of the Lombards.

Eventually, the Primacy of Rome came into effect after the death of St. Leo the Great 604AD firstly over the Bishops of Gaul. When Pope Leo III anointed Charlemagne as Roman Emperor on the day of Holy Nativity 800AD – the City of Rome became part of the Frankish Kingdom. Hence, the Bishop of Rome’s Primacy now extended over the Bishops of Western Europe.

Again, when the Church becomes caught up within an empire and moulds itself to that criteria – state politics and governance sways its mission. Although worldly kingdoms valuably assist and safeguard her place of prominence, yet at the same time it (the Church) endangers herself in becoming remote from the totality of the gospels!

In addition, within the peril of persecutions – the Church has always acted in Economia (when the Holy Spirit’s grace via invocation is bestowed; surpassing established regulations within times of danger, uncertainty and emergency) via raising priests to the episcopacy via a sole bishop; later ratified via synodal decree in times of peace. Although this has been made uncanonical due to the vagante bishops (those who roam around and are loose canons) yet it is perfectly (canonical) acceptable when peril lingers!

The passing of apostolic succession in peaceful times desires two or more bishops – a synodal assembly is the ultimate; this was the case with the ROCOR consecrations especially in New York where bishops were raised for other Churches in need.

There is a tendency for NEW CALENDARISTS (the revised state churches) to accuse OLD BELIEVERS as void of all grace; this is far from the truth for the linage received is 100% apostolic, canonical and untainted (ROCOR extensions) regardless of fabricated objections that lack foundation yet exposes the fraud of the complaining counterpart!

In winding the clock forward, let us highlight that the Moscow Patriarchate later reduced Philaret to the status of a monk on 11th June 1992AD – most remote from the foundation of our Autonomous Church with the agreement of all the Orthodox Churches including Constantinople.

Hence, the now criticized status of the current Primate “Metropolitan Epiphanius” received succession from the censured Patriarch (Patriarch Philaret) reduced to the rank of a monk after the anathema (23rd February 1997AD) proof of this (our canonicity) openly unfolds with the full acceptance of Vladika Lazar and Vladika Varlam of Canada.

These two bishops of our synod, entered the Orthodox Church of America OCA – Moscow Patriarchate (1996AD) - without re-consecrations, rites of receptions (Herothesia) and blessings; continuing to hold their full canonical status!

Yet, when Patriarch Philaret was anathematized by Orthodox Christendom on the 23rd February in 1997AD (in the agreement with all Orthodox Churches) it was the same Patriarch of Constantinople “who in 2009AD created a church in Kyiv” the very first hierarch to sign the patriarchal bull of Anathema against Philaret!

Let us bear in mind that the current primate “Metropolitan Epiphanius” of the Ukrainian Church was consecrated by the then anathematized patriarch Philaret (15th November 2009AD). In actual fact, the Moscow Patriarchate and other Autocephalous and Autonomous Orthodox Churches officially declare the current primate of Ukraine with the name: Mr. Sergei Dumenko.

Therefore, that very same primate along with all other bishops “supposedly consecrated” from that date forward, are without doubt thus deemed uncanonical. In addition, 12 out of 16 churches within Orthodox Christendom (the majority hold canonical voice) declared the currant primate and bishops under him: “void of all grace!”

Should any ecclesial body insinuate that our Church is null and void, then the current Primate of the Ukrainian Church His Beatitude Epiphanius Dumenko is then automatically rendered null and void by that ill-founded logic– remembering that he was consecrated a bishop (2009AD) by his Holiness Pariarch Philaret of Kyiv and all Ukraine!

Therefore, If one chooses to recognize half of the equation and ignore the vital formative formulas – such a choice in itself not only fails to talley, but falls apart in all logic which governs the laws of critique and in this equation: Canonicity!

In conclusion, the Autonomous Orthodox Church of Western Europe and Canada PK continues in providing service in Holy Orthodoxy via true discipleship to the mandate bestowed her through the saintly Patriarch of Kyiv His Holiness Volodymir Romaniuk.

AD GLORIAM DEI

-UKASE

-LINK OF TOMOS

THE CURRENT HOLY SYNOD OF WESTERN EUROPE AND CANADA

Metropolitan Volodymir and Metropolitan Nicholas in Italy.
Metropolitan Raffaele of the British Isles (in Australia)
Metropolitan Cyrille and Bishop Nicholas in Canada.
Metropolitan Eugene in Spain.
Metropolitan Vladimir in Montenegro.
Bishop Basile in France.

-LINK OF CORRESPONDANCE

-LINK OF ELECTION

-LINK OF DECREE

-LINK OF PHOTOS

-LINK OF IERATIKON

-LINK OF SYNODAL PRESENCE (1995 -2023AD)

-LINK OF CANONIZATIONS