Head of Finnish Church of the Phanar awards Dumenko and Zoria orders

Dumenko triying on the order. Photo: the OCU website

On 16 December 2023, the leaders of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko and Eustratiy Zoria exchanged awards with the head of the Finnish Church of the Patriarchate of Constantinople Archbishop Leo, reports the website of the OCU.

The archbishop awarded Dumenko the Order of the Holy Lamb Commander, I Class, Zoria – II Class. In turn, Dumenko presented Leo with a commemorative epitrachelion and a panagia.

The ceremony, which took place at the Dormition Cathedral, was attended by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Finland Olga Dibrova. After the service, those present sang the Ukrainian hymn, as well as many tributes to the head of the Phanar, Serhiy Dumenko and Archbishop Leo.

As reported, Dumenko told the Lutherans of Finland about the religious situation in Ukraine.

Read also

UGCC cleric criticizes OCU head for awarding Greek Catholic officials

Hieromonk Yustyn Boiko of the Lviv Archeparchy called the awarding of church honors to officials a profanation and cited the example of an OCU order presented to a Greek Catholic official.

Expert who found no defamation in Dumenko’s remarks to face disciplinary action

An Interior Ministry research center has confirmed disciplinary measures against the expert whose findings supported what the Metropolitan’s representatives described as unfounded accusations by the OCU head against Metropolitan Theodosiy.

European Parliament condemns forced Islamization of children in Pakistan

The European Parliament has called on Pakistan to establish a mechanism to protect Christian families.

Church of the Presentation damaged by shelling in Russia’s Kursk Region

The newly built church in the village of Kulbaki, Glushkovo District, was completely gutted by fire after being struck by a projectile.

UOC priests take part in celebrations at Romania’s Putna Monastery

Clergy of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy took part in a festive service at the ancient shrine of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

TRC officers abduct priest of UOC's Zymne Monastery

The UOC cleric was reportedly taken by force to Lutsk.