Epiphany and 11 OCU "hierarchs" "served" in Drabinko’s half-empty cathedral

"Hierarchs" of the OCU at the "divine service" in the Transfiguration Cathedral. Photo: Facebook Drabinko

On October 11, 2020, the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko, in the "concelebration" of 11 "hierarchs" of the newly created religious structure, performed a "service" in the Transfiguration Cathedral in the capital's Teremki residential area, the official website of the OCU reports.

Archimandrite Michael, exarch of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, also took part in the "divine service" held on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the consecration of the temple, alongside the OCU "hierarchs".

On behalf of the community, the chairman of the parish council of the cathedral, Igor Lysov, expressed gratitude to Dumenko “for the visit and spiritual  guidance” and presented a panagia with the image of St. Epiphanius of Cyprus.

In turn, ex-Metropolitan of the UOC Alexander Drabinko noted that the "qualities" of Epiphany Dumenko are "an example to follow" and presented him with a cross with a particle of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord.

Despite the presence of the “primate” and a large number of “hierarchs”, the service did not attract a large number of believers: the photographs show that the temple was half-empty.

"Divine service" in the Transfiguration Cathedral of the OCU. Photo: Alexander's Facebook (Drabinko)

The day before, on October 10, at the “bishop's liturgy” in the Transfiguration Cathedral, which was concelebrated by Simeon (Shostatsky) and Fotiy Davidenko, in addition to Drabinko, the temple was almost completely empty.

"Divine service" in the Transfiguration Cathedral of the OCU. Photo: Alexander's Facebook (Drabinko)

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Epiphany Dumenko complained that the "transitions" to the OCU stopped under the new government.

Read also

Constantinople bishop: If the Church loses its Greek spirit, what will remain?

Archbishop Makarios of the Constantinople Church criticized the rector of an Australian parish for conducting half of the service in English.

Georgian Church Synod to present three candidates for Patriarchal throne

Georgian hierarchs will select candidates for the Patriarchal throne, after which the Extended Council will make the final decision.

Metropolitan Tychikos' lawyers respond to media accusations

The hierarch's lawyers called the television stories targeted harassment.

EU Court: Hungary's law protecting children from LGBT violates legislation

The European Court ruled that Hungary's ban on promoting LGBT ideology among minors contradicts "EU values".

Facts of persecution against UOC included in world's human rights report

The Amnesty International report points to pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and criticism from UN experts.

Pasika activist urges believers to join Uniates if they don't want to go to OCU

Choknadiy called on UOC believers to join the Greek Catholic Church, since they refuse to join the OCU.