Dumenko: Orthodox Church depends on OCU for peace
Sergei Dumenko at the Sophia of Kyiv. Photo: a screenshot of the video "UA: Pershyi"
The head of the OCU, Sergei Dumenko, after a "thanksgiving prayer" at the Sophia of Kyiv, dedicated to the 2nd anniversary of the founding of the OCU, said that "the future of world Orthodoxy" and "if there is peace or no peace in the Orthodox Church" depend on the OCU. The event was broadcast by the state TV channel UA: Pershyi.
Sergei Dumenko “again and again” expressed gratitude to Patriarch Bartholomew and the Phanar Synod, “who, despite resistance, made a truly historic decision two years ago, which changed the course of history not only of Ukrainian Orthodoxy but, I am sure, will change the course of the history of all Orthodoxy in the future. Because the future of the entire Orthodoxy depends on our Church – whether there will be peace or not in the Orthodox Church”.
Dumenko also turned with gratitude to Petro Poroshenko, who made "extraordinary efforts to make this event happen", and wished him inspiration "for further work for the benefit of the Ukrainian state and the Ukrainian Church".
"Although according to the Constitution, the Church and the state are separated from each other, in reality, it is impossible to draw the line between them that divides us," the head of the OCU believes.
Dumenko also expressed gratitude to Simeon (Shostatsky) and Makariy Maletich. The head of the OCU said that “unfortunately, some fell into temptation and he is not among us (alluding to Filaret – Ed.) but we are convinced that we will continue to work together in the future”.
We recall that on December 15, 2018, the so-called "Unification Council", at which the UOC-KP and the UAOC were united in the OCU, elected Sergei (Epiphany) Dumenko the head of the newly-founded Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.