Conflict in Odessa: Military Academy denies the presence of UOC churches
Believers of the Odessa eparchy couldn’t attend the solemn divine service
The Military Academy of Odessa stated that there are no religious organizations on the territory of the educational institution, reports the portal 048.ua.
This position was voiced by the head of the Military Academy of Odessa, Major-General Oleg Guliak in the official response to the request of the GO "All-Ukrainian lustration".
The general explained that in 2002 the leadership of the then Institute of the Army created a room to meet the religious needs of servicemen and their families.
"Considering the fact that all the property, including the premises of the former Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church, the Odessa Institute of the Army and the Military Academy, which is its legal successor, belongs to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, none of them was leased either to the community of the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church or the Odessa eparchial administration of the UOC," the statement said.
The Military Academy underlined that the premises of the former Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church are used for pastoral work and do not belong to any religious denomination. At the same time, at present, the management concludes agreements on cooperation with the UGCC, UOC KP and Protestant churches of Ukraine.
As reported by the Odessa eparchy, the Academy authorities refused to conclude a lease agreement with representatives of the UOC.
At the same time, the Odessa eparchy signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Military Academy, which provides for the unhindered passage of clergymen and believers to the territory of the church.
On August 14, believers of the UOC were not allowed into the Ss. Cyril and Methodius Church, located on the territory of the Odessa Military Academy. Representatives of the Kiev "patriarchate" were allowed to enter the Academy's territory unhindered through the same checkpoint, arguing that the Congress of the military chaplains of the UOC KP and the UGCC took place on the territory of the higher establishment.
Read also
"Stigmatization based on faith": DESS reprimands TSN for story about Muslims
DESS criticized TSN because "the investigation in the "1+1" news story immediately took on an accusatory bias, and the accused themselves were not given a voice."
His Beatitude Onuphry: Through fasting, man returns to Paradise
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry reminded the faithful about Adam's fall and urged them to repent before Great Lent.
Archbishop of Greece speaks about his successor and the Church's future
On the occasion of the 18th anniversary of his leadership of the Greek Church, the Primate gave an interview in which he spoke about relations with the state, the situation in Sinai, and the challenges of the modern world.
In Barcelona, Sagrada Familia’s central tower completed after 144 years
In Barcelona, a glass cross was installed on the Sagrada Familia temple, completing the central tower and bringing the building to the height of 172.5 meters.
On Forgiveness Sunday, His Beatitude Onuphry celebrates Liturgy at Lavra
During Cheesefare Week, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry celebrated the Liturgy at the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, addressed the flock with a sermon, and offered prayers for peace and the preservation of Ukraine's people.
In Hnidyn, St. Nicholas Church of UOC damaged by shelling
As a result of shelling, the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC in the village of Hnidyn of the Boryspil Eparchy was damaged.