OCU continues to deem Filaret Denisenko as its “honorary patriarch”
The session of the "Holy Synod" of the OCU. Photo: pomisna.info
On November 19, 2019, a meeting of the “holy synod” of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine took place, at which the head of the UOC-KP “patriarch” Filaret was absent, the official website of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine reported.
In particular, the press service of the newly established religious organization said that "all members of the Synod participated in the meeting except for the honorary patriarch Filaret who was absent for no good reason."
Recall that Filaret Denisenko has repeatedly stated that he does not consider himself a member of the OCU. In his opinion, the OCU was separated from the Kiev Patriarchate: “If this OCU breaks away from the Kiev Patriarchate, then let it be. But the Kiev Patriarchate was, is and will be.”
According to him, the Ukrainians were deceived, for the OCU is completely dependent on Fanar. In addition, he accused the leadership of the OCU of raiding the churches of the UOC-KP, as well as of Epiphanius Dumenko’s intervention in the affairs of another “church” (UOC-KP – Ed.). He promised he would fight for the UOC-KP to the end and called on his flock to protest against the head of the OCU.
At the same time, the OCU spokesman Eustraty Zoria said that the OCU does not agree that Filaret does not consider himself its member, while Epiphany Dumenko believes that Filaret’s actions destroy age-old aspirations of the Ukrainian people.
Read also
Dozens of thousands of believers welcome relics of Saint John the New in Suceava
Around 20,000 people took part in the large-scale procession "The Path of the Saint" in Suceava, Romania, dedicated to the Great Martyr John the New.
In Detroit, RCC bishop proposes canceling Sunday Masses in 90 parishes
The Archdiocese of Detroit links the radical reduction of services to a shortage of clergy and a "a dramatic decline" in the number of sacraments performed.
Theologian: Israel introduces taxes on churches that even Muslims never levied
Theologian J.D. Hall stated that the financial pressure on Christians in Israel is incomparable to anything seen since the era of Islamic rule in the region.
Archbishop of Western Europe decides to elect bishops without ROC's approval
The Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of the Russian Tradition in Western Europe is considering electing auxiliary bishops without the approval of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Petition to transfer Odesa school building to Catholics gains 25,000 signatures
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine is now required to consider returning the former school and seminary building in Odesa to the Catholic Church.
Vatican bans German bishops from allowing laypeople to preach at Mass
The Vatican rejected a request by German Catholics to allow laypeople to preach at Mass, recalling the inseparable link between preaching and holy orders.