Metropolitan Onufriy: Shepherd of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Metropolitan Onufriy, born Orest Volodymyrovych Berezovsky in 1944, is a prominent figure in Eastern European Orthodoxy, serving as the Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine and primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) since 2014. His leadership has been marked by a commitment to canonical Orthodoxy, a strong emphasis on spiritual life, and navigating the turbulent political and religious landscape of Ukraine.

Ordained a monk in 1971, Onufriy’s ecclesiastical career progressed steadily. He served in various monastic roles and parishes, demonstrating his dedication and piety. His consecration as Bishop of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna in 1990 marked a significant step, and he later became Archbishop and then Metropolitan of the same diocese. This period allowed him to gain substantial pastoral experience and establish himself as a respected and influential leader within the Church.

Following the death of Metropolitan Volodymyr in 2014, Onufriy was elected as his successor. His election occurred shortly after the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the onset of conflict in eastern Ukraine, presenting immediate and profound challenges. He inherited a Church facing internal divisions, external pressures, and the rising tide of Ukrainian nationalism. His tenure has been largely defined by his efforts to maintain the unity of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) amidst these pressures.

Metropolitan Onufriy is known for his conservative theological views and his emphasis on traditional values. He has consistently called for peace and reconciliation in Ukraine, often avoiding direct political pronouncements. He advocates for dialogue and understanding between different groups and seeks to provide spiritual guidance to his flock during times of hardship.

His position has been controversial, particularly after the establishment of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2018, which received autocephaly from the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This event created a schism within Ukrainian Orthodoxy, and Metropolitan Onufriy’s refusal to recognize the new Church has placed him at odds with many Ukrainians who support a fully independent national Church. Critics accuse him of being too closely aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate and insufficiently supportive of Ukrainian sovereignty.

Despite the criticisms, Metropolitan Onufriy retains considerable support within his Church. He is viewed by many as a steadfast defender of canonical Orthodoxy and a source of stability in a rapidly changing world. His focus on prayer, asceticism, and traditional values resonates with a significant portion of the Ukrainian Orthodox population. He continues to serve as a central figure in the religious life of Ukraine, striving to shepherd his flock through ongoing challenges and seeking to preserve the unity of his Church.