The odious Drabinko received an order from the head of the UOC (MP). What happened?

Metropolitan Alexander Drabinko, considered the informal leader of the “autocephalous wing” seeking the separation of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church from the Moscow Patriarchate, received from Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv an order named after one of the apostles, John the Theologian. Or, as he is also called, the Apostle of Love.

This award looks strange, given that recently the head of the UOC-MP criticized Drabinko.

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As you know, in 2012-2013. Drabinko, taking advantage of his closeness (in all respects) to the then head of the UOC (MP), Metropolitan Vladimir, participated in a financial pyramid for the import of new limousines from abroad through “church channels” (that is, without part of the duty). When the last deceived investors (as in any pyramid) began to demand the return of their deposits, Drabinko found nothing better than to extort money from the Intercession Monastery, to which benefactors had allocated it for the restoration of the monastery. The abbess of the monastery and her cell attendant were kidnapped and kept “in the basement” for three days under torture by bandits hired by Drabynko’s friends – champions in various types of martial arts.

As stated in the Regulations on the Order of the Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, it “was established to distinguish the achievements in the field of theology of the episcopate, clergy, teachers of theological schools and other church educational institutions, theologians and catechists, statesmen who promote the development of theological and missionary activities, as well as all those who work in the field of church education, the revival of spirituality and the establishment of canonical Orthodoxy.”

The work of the hero of the day “in the field of revival of spirituality” is evidenced by numerous scandals related to corruption, banal theft on an especially large scale, and multimillionaire luxury, in which a fairly young ascetic monk is drowning.

As you know, back in 2015, the new primate of the UOC (MP), Metropolitan Onuphry pointed out Metropolitan Oleksandr on many of his shortcomings and unworthy actions (including those daringly violating the canons of the Church). By this time, the latter had been removed from all responsible posts in the UOC (MP), which he occupied, being the favorite and personal secretary of the late Metropolitan Vladimir.

In response, Drabinko more than once ridiculed and “condemned” Metropolitan Onuphry and his inner circle on social networks and in interviews with anti-Orthodox publications. For this, Drabinko’s Russophobic fans and the Ukrainian “media” nicknamed him “the bishop of the Ukrainian spirit” and the only hope of “Ukrainian Orthodoxy.”

Actually, this is probably where we should look for the motives for the current decision of the head of the UOC (MP). He wants to demonstrate to the authorities (with whom the unconventional Drabynko traditionally has helpful relations) and the rulers of the minds of Ukrainians that there is no “prejudiced” attitude in the UOC (MP) towards his idol. They say that all the “roughness” is observed only in the exchange of “private theological opinions”, but in the main thing – serving Ukraine and Ukrainians – there can be no differences between the current church authorities and the “bishop of the Ukrainian spirit”.

This is definitely a servile position. Metropolitan Onuphry understands perfectly well that the ideological foundations of Ukrainianism and Orthodoxy are mutually exclusive, but in this way he is trying to “preserve the Church.” Obviously, forgetting that the Church is, first of all, not churches, not icons, and not even the offices of the metropolis and synodal departments with their expensive European-quality renovations, but the souls of people and Christ Himself. Who knows better how to protect His Body, if only His servants firmly follow His teachings.

However, there is another version.

The opinion is also expressed that Metropolitan Onuphry “gives Drabinka a medal before sending him to his retirement.” And, thus, it softens the resonance in the Ukrainian “media” in advance.

However, you will agree, it is illogical to retire a young metropolitan who received the order for “achievements in the field of theology, missionary activity, revival of spirituality and establishment of canonical Orthodoxy.”