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The Polish Autocephalous Orthodox Church has suspended its participation in the Bilateral Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue, citing concerns over the delegalization of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by Ukrainian authorities. The decision was made during the autumn session of the Church’s Bishops’ Council under the leadership of Metropolitan Sawa.
Emphasis on Church Unity and Ontological Dimension
The Bishops’ Council expressed its deep concern over the delegalization of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and stressed that the Church is of ontological significance and not subject to human legal regulations. They also reaffirmed their conviction regarding the non-canonical status of the independent Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
In response to the lack of satisfactory progress in the Bilateral Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue, the Church decided to suspend its participation in the dialogue. This move was unexpected for the Catholic co-chair, Bishop Adam Bab, who highlighted that their discussions had primarily focused on providing pastoral support to Ukrainian war refugees in Poland.