Russian Orthodox Church Holy Synod Approves Guidelines for Receiving Individuals from Ukrainian Schismatic Structures

The Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church approved a document outlining guidelines for receiving individuals from “Ukrainian ecclesiastical structures,” which the Moscow Patriarchate describes as “schismatic,” during its meeting on October 22, 2026. The session, chaired by Patriarch Kirill of Moscow, took place at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in Moscow’s St. Daniel Monastery. The document, titled “Guidelines for Receiving Persons from Ukrainian Schismatic Structures Seeking to Join the Russian Orthodox Church,” was prepared by the Synodal Missionary Department in response to requests from diocesan missionary departments in Donbas and areas referred to as “Novorossiya” by Russian authorities.

The Moscow Patriarchate stated that these departments sought practical guidance on handling cases involving individuals from “Ukrainian religious communities,” which it considers “schismatic,” who wish to come under its jurisdiction. The draft was reviewed by the Department for External Church Relations, which introduced amendments before the document was finalized by the Holy Synod. The meeting also addressed the veneration of holy relics of St. Dmitry Donskoy, with fragments transferred to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow and the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.

Following the veneration, a relic fragment was sent to Donbas and areas designated as “Novorossiya” for Russian military personnel participating in the conflict in Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a “special military operation.” After the veneration, the relic was returned to the main cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces. The Synod’s actions reflect a broader focus on ecclesiastical matters and the Moscow Patriarchate’s stance on religious communities it labels as schismatic.

The Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch concluded its 16th session at Balamand, while the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa condemned a terrorist attack on a church in Egypt. These events highlight the complex interplay of religious and geopolitical dynamics among Orthodox communities. The Russian Orthodox Church’s document underscores its position on ecclesiastical jurisdiction and the treatment of religious groups it deems outside its authority.

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