Contrary to Tomos: Yelensky discusses “pastoral care” abroad with OCU

Viktor Yelensky and representatives of the OCU. Photo: DESS

The head of the State Ethnic Policy, Viktor Yelensky, discussed with two “priests” of the OCU “the pastoral care of Orthodox Ukrainians who ended up living outside of Ukraine,” reports the DESS Facebook page.

The message emphasizes that the interlocutors paid “particular attention” to the problems of refugees in Western and Central-Eastern Europe, “seeking to join traditional Ukrainian liturgical practices and worship in the Ukrainian language.”

It is worth noting that the provisions of the Tomos of the OCU prohibit the establishment of parishes outside the country. All OCU believers outside Ukraine should fall under the jurisdiction of the Phanar clergy.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Patriarch Bartholomew discussed “current issues” with Yelensky at the Phanar.

Read also

Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church

The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.

Authorities hold “memorial” concert in church seized from UOC in Chernihiv

Believers expressed outrage over the transformation of an ancient shrine into a concert venue.

Kremenchuk authorities force OCU to remove fence around Trinity Cathedral

The mayor of Kremenchuk ordered the fence removed and the church’s “strangely divided” land plot reduced.

LGBT Catholics march in Rome Pride parade with rainbow cross

Participants in the gay pride march said the “rainbow cross” is a visible sign of the LGBT community’s presence within the Church.

Zelensky meets with OCU’s “Lavra abbot” at OP to discuss future plans

Lotysh thanked Zelensky for personally overseeing the restoration of the Dormition Cathedral.

Media report case of forcibly mobilized UOC deacon, father of many children

Deacon Andriy Virnyi of the Church of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Lutsk said he faced pressure, threats, and legal violations during an attempt to mobilize him.