In Dumenko's native village, OCU “priest” caught breaking into a UOC church
"Priest" of the OCU with an angle grinder at a UOC church. Photo: screenshot from the Chernivtsi Eparchy telegram
On the evening of May 27, 2023, in the village of Stara Zhadova, Chernivtsi region, an OCU “priest” attempted to cut the locks off the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel using an angle grinder, the press service of the Chernivtsi Eparchy reported on Telegram.
“The father who serves the 'god of the Angle Grinder' is sawing the doors of the Orthodox church in the village of Stara Zhadova in Bukovyna,” the press service wrote, noting that parishioners, hearing loud noise and scraping at their church, found the “priest” standing there with an angle grinder in his hands.
“What are you doing?! This is a sin!” parishioners shouted at the “father” with the grinder. They pushed him back and called the police. Afterwards, dozens of believers kept vigil at their church overnight.
The village of Stara Zhadova is the native village of Serhiy Dumenko.
As the UOJ previously reported, back in 2019 there had already been attempts to seize the church. The husband of Epifaniy’s “godmother” broke the lock, after which OCU activists entered the church. At that time as well, the parishioners managed to defend their shrine from being taken.
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.