North Macedonia authorities ban ROC archimandrite from entering the country
Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev). Photo: vitds.by
On September 12, the authorities of North Macedonia banned Archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church Vassian (Zmeyev) from entering the country, according to the Balkan Observer Facebook page.
The North Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that in addition to the archimandrite, who was banned from entering the country, three more Russian diplomats were expelled.
As the report says, “this decision was made after receiving information from the competent authorities about actions committed by Russians that violate the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Archimandrite Vassian is the rector of the Moscow Patriarchate metochion in Sofia (Bulgaria), who last year actively visited Macedonia and often met with Archbishop Stefan and the Macedonian metropolitans Gregory and Peter.
Local media claim that it was under the influence of Archimandrite Vassian that the Macedonian Orthodox Church refused to concelebrate with the OCU.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Macedonian Church refused to concelebrate with the OCU, and later the head of the Phanar met with the Prime Minister of North Macedonia to discuss “issues of mutual interest.”
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.