Dumenko awards all those involved in UOC cathedral raiding in Bila Tserkva
Dumenko awards Hopainych for 'selfless work for the benefit of the Church'. Photo: Zoria’s Facebook
According to a Facebook post by the spokesperson of the OCU, "Archbishop" Eustratiy Zoria, it is reported that Dumenko led a "church service" at the raided Cathedral and granted the organizer of the cathedral seizure, an OCU "priest" and city council deputy, Nikolay Hopainych, the right to wear the mitre. Dumenko praised Hopaynich's activities as "selfless work for the benefit of the church".
Serhiy Petrovych also awarded the "Order of Yuri the Victorious" to the mayor of Bila Tserkva, Hennadiy Dykyi, and the "Order of Saint Vladimir" to the city council secretary, Dmytro Kyryshun. Other individuals involved were awarded "blessed diplomas" by Dumenko.
It is worth reminding that apart from organizing the seizure of the Transfiguration Cathedral (UOC), Hopainych gained notoriety for removing a cup from the Chalice with his fingers.
As earlier reported, Hopainych and other clerics, with the support of local authorities, forcibly entered and seized the cathedral using tools like hammers, crowbars, angle grinders, and chainsaws.
Read also
Persecuted UOC cathedral community holds worship in new premises
The persecuted UOC community in Volodymyr continues its liturgical life, gathering for prayer in a makeshift space.
Charismatic pastor urges “re-baptizing” UOC faithful to sever ties with RF
A Ukrainian Protestant pastor said he considers baptisms in the UOC invalid and called on Orthodox believers to undergo the rite again.
OCU “bishop”: UOC celebrates Christmas on January 7 to divide Ukrainians
Firley believes it is not those imposing the new calendar style who are dividing Ukrainian society, but those who have remained on the old one.
UOC church rector killed by shelling in Hryshyne village
In Donetsk Region, Archpriest Vasyl Kiyko – who had served for many years in a frontline village – was killed during shelling.
Cabinet extends religious communities’ use of state property to up to 50 years
The government has changed the rules for transferring religious sites, increasing contract terms and establishing priority for communities that have already been using the churches.
70 men from Ukraine and Europe complete UOC altar-server training course
The “Guardians of the Altar” project was organized by the Volodymyr-Volyn Eparchy of the UOC.