Dumenko: Residents of de-occupied territories are not interested in OCU

The head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: nv.ua

Metropolitan Epifaniy Dumenko said that the process of the return of the OCU to the de-occupied territories was difficult because almost the entire pro-Ukrainian population had left there.

He explained the reluctance of the residents of the liberated territories to visit the parishes of the OCU by the Russian propaganda to which people had been subjected.

Dumenko also noted that many priests of the OCU are afraid to return to the frontline territories because of frequent shelling.

"Our parish existed there for 10-15 years, and now one of our priests says, for example, that there are no parishioners at all. Of course, this is a parish almost somewhere on the border with the Russian Federation, but this priest has no one to serve now," he told the New Voice.

As reported, the head of the OCU said that his plans include claims to the Kyiv-Pechersk and Pochaiv Lavras.

Read also

UOC’s Myltsi monastery brethren appeal to U.S. authorities for protection

The monks of the St. Nicholas Monastery in Volhynia are asking J.D. Vance and Anna Paulina Luna to defend their rights and help prevent their possible eviction.

Teen who set fire to synagogue sentenced in Kryvyi Rih

A court sentenced a minor to two years of probation supervision after he admitted guilt and compensated for damages caused by the arson of a synagogue building.

"KyivPride" organizers announced dates for holding LGBT march in capital

Activists plan to hold mass events in June 2026.

Monastic tonsures performed at Kyiv Theological Academy

The Rector of the Kyiv Theological Schools, Archbishop Sylvester, tonsured four students of the academy and seminary into monasticism.

No language law violations found at Holosiiv Monastery school

The inspection found no evidence of Russian-language instruction in the school that operated on the grounds of the Holosiiv Monastery.

Czech authorities intend to seize three largest churches from Church, source

In Prague, preparations have begun to terminate lease agreements concluded with Orthodox church communities.