“His nomination is out of the question. No matter how strong the support of Ukrainian bishops for Sabodan is, they do not make a majority. In all probability, only Russian religious leaders will be nominated,” Yurash added.

As a new Russian Orthodox Church leader will be elected by the council of bishops, Ukrainian priests, who make up almost a third of it, can influence the election.

However, the Ukrainian orthodox clergy is divided over the issue of the independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from ROC. Some Ukrainian bishops approve of breaking away from ROC, while others want to side more openly and closely with ROC. There are some who do not want any changes of the present status quo.