Moscow-Aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church Leader Stripped of Citizenship for Dual Allegiance

Metropolitan Onufriy, the head of the Moscow-aligned Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), was stripped of his Ukrainian citizenship on July 2. The decision was made by President Volodymyr Zelensky following a report from the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) that Onufriy, whose secular name is Orest Berezovsky, had concealed his Russian citizenship, which he obtained in 2002. Dual citizenship is not formally recognized under Ukrainian law.

The SBU statement indicated that Berezovsky voluntarily acquired Russian citizenship and failed to inform Ukrainian authorities. The report also noted that he continued to use his Ukrainian citizenship status despite this. The action is part of a broader pattern in Ukraine, where citizenship revocation has been used as a warning before further legal measures.

The SBU further stated that Berezovsky maintains ties with the Moscow Patriarchate and has actively opposed the canonical independence of the Ukrainian Church from the Moscow Patriarchate. The Moscow Patriarchate is known for its public support of Russian actions in Ukraine. The statement claims that Berezovsky continues to align with the policies of the Russian Orthodox Church and its leadership, including Patriarch Kirill.

The Moscow-aligned UOC has been viewed as a fifth column since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. While the UOC claims to have broken ties with the Moscow Patriarchate, Moscow disputes this, and many UOC hierarchs have been ambiguous about their stance. The revocation of Onufriy’s citizenship is the most recent example of Ukraine taking action against those perceived as supporting Russian aggression.

The case highlights the complex relationship between the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. The UOC’s alignment with Moscow has drawn criticism, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict. The Ukrainian government’s decision to revoke Onufriy’s citizenship underscores the seriousness with which it views such affiliations. The situation reflects broader tensions within the Orthodox world, where divisions over political and ecclesiastical matters continue to shape relations.

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