UOC temples desecrated and robbed in Zhitomir region on Annunciation Day
Vandals desecrated and robbed the St. Nicholas Church in the village of Korolevka
On the night of April 7, 2019, on the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, in the village of Korolevka of the Emilchino district, Zhitomir region, unknown persons broke a window and entered the altar of the St. Nicholas Church, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.
“When I arrived, I found a huge mess in the altar – the glass from the broken window through which the robbers got into the church, turning everything upside down: the books on the choir were scattered, the boxes were opened – they found and took away some money, stole wine for the Eucharist, two lances, an apostle,” said the cleric of the Ovruch Eparchy, rector Alexander Garashchuk.
The parishioners immediately called law enforcers who conducted investigative actions and received a statement from the rector.
“This day more people came than usual. They had to wait for an hour and a half or two until the police made all the arrangements and we cleaned up. Nevertheless, we served the Liturgy and thanksgiving prayer ..." aid the rector, noting that the believers were extremely upset by the blasphemy that the unknown vandals made to their church on this great for the entire Orthodox world feast.
As the UOJ reported, on the night of March 29, 2019, unknown persons broke into the Church of the Holy First Apostles Peter and Paul of the Borispol Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the town of Bucha, Kiev region — even the throne and the Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hearken" were attacked by thieves-vandals.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.