A cleric who served with the Phanar Exarch banned in Volyn Diocese

Archpriest Oleksandr Kolb in St. Andrew's Cathedral. Photo: Facebook of the Phanar's stauropegia in Kyiv

On September 29, 2023, Metropolitan Nathanael of Volyn and Lutsk temporarily suspended the priest Oleksandr Kolb from performing his clerical duties, accoridng to the diocese's website.

In the decree, it is stated that he is suspended based on the 39th Apostolic Canon for violating the oath of a clergyman, the decision of the Synod of Bishops of the UOC (Ukrainian Orthodox Church) from November 13, 2018, and the resolution of the Holy Synod (37th Journal) of the same date. The priest is suspended without the right to partake in the Holy Sacraments of Christ until full repentance.

Priest Oleksandr Kolb participated in a religious service on September 24, 2023, with the Exarch of Phanar, Bishop Michael of Comana, where one of the "clergymen" of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) was also present.

Previously, the Holy Synod reported that the Phanar Exarch had concelebrated in Kyiv with an archimandrite of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Read also

In Spain, murderer moved to women's prison after claiming to be female

A Spaniard convicted of a series of brutal murders has secured a transfer to a women's prison allegedly based on a change of gender identity.

Georgian Patriarchate warns about fake social media pages

The Georgian Orthodox Church has stated that unknown individuals are using official symbols to create fake social media pages.

Court extends round-the-clock house arrest for Metropolitan Arseniy

The Chechelivsky Court of Dnipro left the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra under house arrest and allowed him to attend medical procedures without separate permission.

OCU shows number of parishioners in seized church of Bezuhlivka

About 15 people with flags stood at the first "service" at St. Michael's Church after the seizure.

In Kyiv, OCU and UGCC сhaplains given an introductory tour of synagogue

Ukraine’s chief rabbi said that clergy of the OCU, UGCC, and RCC familiarized themselves with Jewish tradition at a synagogue.

OCU outraged that Lepliavo parish removed church property before seizure

The Cherkasy Eparchy of the OCU complained that after the fake “transfer” in Lepliavo, UOC faithful left them nothing but bare walls.