For many years now both “soft” and “hard” persecution has been executed against the true Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which is called the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Its faithful ruling hierarch is His Beatitude, Metropolitan Onuphry (many years!). The UOC is a completely self-governing local Church, it rightfully maintains fellowship with the Russian Orthodox Church, but is not in subjection to it. It has been self-governing since the fall of the Soviet Union. The UOC is the continuation of the over 1,000-year life of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. Modern-day Ukraine is located in a region of what was once Kievan-Rus. It is worth noting, most news agencies wrongly label the UOC – the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (MP).

At current there is also a group that utilizes Orthodox forms but is not Orthodox in any meaningful sense of the word, this group is called the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” (OCU) It is headed by a layman who goes by the name of Epiphany. This group was created by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (of Constantinople) out of a number of self-ordaining and schismatic groups. One of the primary groups was the so-called “Kiev Patriarchate.” If the reader desires more on the historical aspects of the schismatic groups, click here for an article dealing with that subject.

For years now the OCU, with government help, has seized churches, and beaten priests, other members of the clergy, and parishioners of the UOC. They don’t even shy away from beating up women and babushkas. Given the ease of attaining this information and the years of ongoing persecution, one can only conclude that the Ecumenical Patriarchate approves of such actions. Not a word has been spoken against the persecution.

Under President Petro Poroshenko of Ukraine (2014-2019), the Ukrainian government aggressively increased its assault on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. A part of this program was the clear government support of the “Kiev Patriarchate,” which then morphed into the OCU. In January 2019, the Ecumenical Patriarchate issued a “tomos” to the then “Kiev Patriarchate” (which combined with a few other small schismatic groups) and thus was born the so-called “Orthodox Church in Ukraine.” The current President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, originally ran on a peace and freedom of religion platform. Neither of which – surprise – has he fulfilled. In the early years of his presidency, he seemed to back away from the aggressive policies of persecution against the UOC that his predecessor had pursued. Since the start of a hot war between Russia and Ukraine, Zelensky has slowly returned to his predecessor’s agenda of hostilities and crackdowns against the true Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Currently, the SBU, the secret service of Ukraine, is being deployed against the Orthodox Church. Zelensky has supported and enacted sanctions against various Hierarchs of the UOC.

Of late a Hierarch of the EP, Daniel of Pamphilon, has come out in full support of the State-sponsored persecution of the UOC. He sees the actions of Zelensky as “Ecclesiastical Justice.” This possibly indicates that the EP is in complete agreement with the persecutions being carried out against the UOC. This would make the EP complicit in the persecution.

Archbp. Elpidophoros of the EP in America has long promoted and praised the layman Epiphany. But of course, he has also subtly worked to advance ecumenism, LGBTQism, and even the soft promotion of abortion.

Where are the grand voices of the West proclaiming “freedom” of religion? They are strangely silent right now. Almost no major “news” agencies are covering the persecution of the UOC in Ukraine – surprise again! Tucker Carlson did cover it in his show, to his credit, watch it here.

In numerous previous articles of mine on this subject, I have pointed out that the US State Department seems to have deep fingers in the whole situation. The creation of the OCU by the Ecumenical Patriarchate serves very well US interests (and beyond). It in part follows the “Wolfowitz Doctrine” which sets forth the dogma that the USA can suffer no rivals on the international stage, for the world must be led by the “benevolent” domination of one power. Currently, I believe this doctrine has morphed into a more globalist vision, but nonetheless, the idea of one ruling power remains.

Vital to geopolitics is religion. Yes, religion. The control of belief systems is viewed as a necessity for the advancement of centralized global power. Religions, generally speaking, must be co-opted so that they become messengers for the “new world religion,” which will not transgress the dictates of the New World Order. It is of relevance to note that the USA has long utilized a “Doctrinal Warfare” program (Click here for a video with more information on the subject). In a now declassified document from the program (who knows what is still classified to this day), it sets forth the following goals (letter designations are from the original document), “(e) Create, when advisable, deviationist movements designed to split organizations promulgating hostile ideologies so long as they would not develop into a threat to U.S. security. (f) Exploit local divergencies, heresies or policy disagreements within opposition systems.”

The actions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in creating the OCU should be understood in part through the light of “Doctrinal Warfare.” Local “divergencies and heresies” were most certainly exploited in Ukraine. It is a great tragedy that the EP greatly aided in this exploitation. His blatant and open fellowship with schismatics has vast ramifications for the Orthodox world. The more it festers the worse it will become.

The authentic Orthodox Church in Ukraine, the UOC, is a traditional Orthodox Church that upholds Christian teaching. This is not conducive to the current agendas of secular globalism. One of the last things the powers that be want is a strong Christian Church that holds to traditional Christian teaching because all the enlightened secularists know that such things are bigoted and hateful. Thus, on a religious level, one of the primary goals of globalism is to de-Christify Christianity. This agenda began in the “ecumenical movement.” This movement was at first limited to “Christian denominations.” It has since expanded to include most major world religions. Pope Francis and Patriarchate Bartholomew (EP) are great advocates of Ecumenism. Both are working to fundamentally alter their respective religions (Rome is arguably already fundamentally altered). Both desire to have emerge a “united” new religion. It will not be Christian in any substantial way, although it will still utilize some Christian terminology and outward forms.

A new Uniatism is being constructed.

Secular globalism seeks those religious leaders who will dutifully accept whatever narrative is handed to them and they in turn dispense such narratives to those under them, no questions asked. It needs religion to help herd people into the new world message. Agendas work much smoother when religious voices are preaching on behalf (knowingly or unknowingly) of the pundits of the New Order. It seems like there may have been some recent events that elucidated this, but I may be mistaken.

The graceless pseudo-church in Ukraine under the Ecumenical Patriarchate (the OCU) is also clearly advancing the globalist “unity” agenda. It is run by spineless cowards who have nothing better to do than kiss the backsides of globalist powers for the sake of material gain and power. It is more than willing to pursue Ecumenism, LGBT+ “rights,” environmentalism, and the other pantheon of globalist gods. The Globalist powers love easily bought men of religion. They adore sycophants. But such are not, in the least, men of Christ. No, rather, they are those who sell Christ the Lord for the silver of this world. They are those who are willing to use the outward forms and rites of Orthodox Christianity for self-advancement, acquisition of worldly power, and wealth. Without true repentance, their end will be that of their father Judas, the noose of torment, and the shattering of their inner bowels.

Contrary to the worm-tongued cowardliness coming from the OCU, that Frankenstein of the EP and State Department, the Hierarchs of the UOC have spoken strongly against the anti-Christian agenda of secular globalism. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the fact that they are being targeted and persecuted. Here are just a few selections from the messages of but three Hierarchs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church –

Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil has stated, “A defective and malicious copy of world Orthodoxy is now being built before our eyes. In this parallel system, such aspects as the perversion of the canons, the legalization of schismatics, concelebration with people who have no valid ordination, and the trampling of the conciliar format of Church governance are considered natural and normal … Do the leaders of these Churches understand that taking part in big geopolitical and political games has its price? For example, will they be able to refuse certain external forces if they demand that they guarantee Church support for the promotion of LGBT interests? Will they have enough courage to say “no?” I doubt it very much, given how some primates have already caved on the question of recognizing the schism.” It is worth reading his full statement here.

Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye states, “We must also recognize and openly proclaim to the faithful children of the Church of Christ, that the events that are now developing in the world community indicate that there is at work in the world an active building of an open global society, which is founded on anti-Christian values. “The great masons” running the construction will not shy away from even the most anti-human methods so to implement their plans. They have already used bacteriological weapons on a global scale to create a pandemic and the deaths of many innocent people, the global reach of their plans is a first in history.

These are the first steps in a carefully thought-out multilayered plan which has as its goal the reconstruction of mankind himself. Take as example the network of just one, Soros, with his army of politicians, journalists, liberal secular and religious figures, who are all actively working to destroy the old world. They work to prepare the world for a new centralized system of government which will exert control over every aspect of human society. In the religious sector, this work is spearheaded by the Vatican together with the Patriarch of Constantinople, and a coalition of radically (liberal) extreme heterodox groups.” Make sure to read his full message here.

Metropolitan Longin of Bukovina has this to say, “Tremendous events are being prepared. I’m speaking of those who desire one (new) faith, meaning that there would be a uniting of religions. This must happen soon because if they do not establish one (new) faith they will not be able to crown the Antichrist. I want to tell you, for I believe and it is said, it will be given to you according to your faith – in whatever you place your faith that you will be … This is why you are witnessing a battle. With whom do you want to remain – with God or the devil? Remain in the true Orthodox faith, guard the faith as purely as possible and as beautifully as possible.” And yes, make sure to read his full address here.

It is precisely because they have spoken boldly against the spirit of the times, against the emerging false “new faith,” and have strived to preach the Gospel and uphold the true Orthodox Faith that they are being targeted by the powers that be and their minions. The devil hates true Orthodoxy and his cronies do too! The very persecution against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church shows that it is a fruit-bearing tree, why else would the enemy seek so aggressively to destroy it?

Our Lord Jesus spoke these words to His Apostles and Disciples, “If the world hate you, you know that it has hated Me before it has hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of this world – but I chose you for Myself out of the world – therefore the world hates you … if they persecuted Me, they will persecute you, if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they know not the One who sent Me” (John 16:18-21).

My dear brothers and sister in Christ in Ukraine, hold fast to Christ Jesus and His Holy Church! May God grant you His strength to endure this persecution and tribulation that has come upon you! Also, remember these words of our Lord, “Blessed are you whenever they reproach you and persecute you, and say every evil word against you falsely on account of Me. Be rejoicing and be exceedingly glad, for your reward is great in the heavens. For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matthew 5:11-12).

Is it surprising that the God-fighting Sanhedrin has once again joined forces with the Pilates and Herods of our times to once again crucify Christ in His Holy Church? Yes, these secular government powers have the authority to initiate a march to Golgotha, and yes they may be able to crucify. But in doing so they will only be facilitating the power of the Resurrection. Without repentance, they are but sealing their own doom. They will laugh for the moment but will weep for all eternity. “Why have the heathen rage, and the peoples imagined vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers gathered together against the Lord, and against His Christ … He that dwelleth in heaven shall laugh them to scorn; the Lord shall have them in derision” (Psalm 2:1-2, 4).

The events that have been transpiring in Ukraine are of utmost importance for the whole Orthodox world. Met. Luke of Zaporozhye makes this vital observation, At present, we cannot speak of church unity. A schism has taken place in the Orthodox world. This is already a fiat accompli. The initiators of this schism are the global elites, who today are openly building a new world order. One of the puppets of this anti-Christian strategy is the heretic and blasphemer, Dimitry Archontikis, who counts himself the Patriarch of Constantinople.”

Indeed, even here in America, a similar agenda of de-Christifying Orthodoxy is being advanced, and it has a number of willing accomplices. It also has funding and support from organizations that have little to do with the authentic advancement of Orthodoxy. Here is an article that elaborates on this in detail, please have a read. These folks are simply working to subvert true Orthodoxy.

What to do? Stand fast in the Holy Faith. Whatever “jurisdiction” you may find yourself in, pray for and support the faithful Orthodox of the UOC. Speak up on their behalf. Reject firmly the new “global-doxy” that is being advanced in Ukraine and in America (and around the world.) Also, do the same regarding those in America (or maybe you live in another country) who are aggressively advancing an anti-Orthodox message and agenda (sadly from “within” Orthodoxy, although by their false teachings they are placing themselves outside the Church). Remember, during the time of the apostasy of the “council” of Ferrara-Florence, it was the faithful Orthodox who rose up against those who signed away Holy Orthodoxy. Due to this, in great part, the terms of the “council” were never fully implemented. Of course, there was also the very faithful Hierarch, Mark of Ephesus, who stood fast in the faith when his brother hierarchs faltered and fell. What can you do? Refuse to recognize in any way shape or form the gathering of anti-christ that goes by the name of the “Orthodox Church in Ukraine.” Refuse to accept in any way the supposed “tomos” given to it by the EP.

There is one Church in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. All else are graceless pretenders who are serving the gathering of anti-christ not the Unity of the Church of Christ.

Now is the time to stand with our true Orthodox brothers and sisters in Ukraine, tomorrow will be too late.