Rector of Godomychi community: Phanar head should remember Last Judgment

Fr Ioann (Shkabura) at the Congress of the persecuted communities of the UOC “Faithful”. Photo: UOJ

Fr Ioann (Shkabura) at the Congress of the persecuted communities of the UOC “Faithful”. Photo: UOJ

Patriarch Bartholomew must remember that at the Last Judgment it will be very difficult for him to answer for his actions, said Fr Ioann (Shkabura), rector of the persecuted Holy Protection community of the UOC in the village of Godomychi, Volyn region, a comment to the UOJ as part of the Congress “Faithful”, held at the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra on February 22.

As reported, two years ago the UOC community in Godomychi lost access to its Holy Protection Church due to the raiding of the OCU, and since then the Orthodox believers have been performing their prayer feat in a small home church. As the clergyman noted, “we are making effort, little by little, to be saved, we hope for the mercy of God, for good people who will help to ensure that in the future a church will appear in the life of our community, where it will be possible to fully perform divine services and educate the younger generation”.

As for Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, whose interference in the church life of Ukraine led to such consequences, Father Ioann noted that "we all walk before God".

“I am an ordinary priest. And no matter what the patriarch is, I am not worthy to condemn his actions, everyone will be responsible before God for their lives. But nevertheless, the patriarch, committing such acts, must remember that at the Last Judgment it will be very difficult to answer for them. We hope that the Lord will reason him,” said the rector of the persecuted UOC community.

On February 10, 2019, the territorial community of the village of Godomychi decided to move to the OCU, taking with it the church of the UOC community. The Orthodox decided to build a new church for themselves.

Read also

Pope to AI for Good Summit participants: AI requires ethical management

"AI requires proper ethical management and regulatory frameworks centered on the human person," warns the Pontiff.

President of Estonia on church situation: I don't like labeling

Alar Karis responded to the statements of the Minister of Internal Affairs regarding the nuns of the Pühtitsa Convent.

Vatican's Representation damaged during Russian attack on Kyiv

The roof of the main building, the garage, and the utility rooms have been damaged.

Prosecutor's Office demands Cherkasy RMA transfer four UOC temples to state

The case concerns the Trinity Church in the village of Puhachivka, the Transfiguration Church in the village of Kornilivka, the Dormition Church in the village of Zhabotyn, as well as the rotunda Church of Saint Alexandra in the village of Lebedivka.

Greek opposition seeks revocation of Crete Metropolitans Election Law

Politicians stated that the Church of Crete has always enjoyed respect and autonomy, and any amendments to the laws were made only with the consent of the Church.

EU calls on Albania's govt. not to interfere in internal church affairs

The EU Resolution emphasizes that "Albania must refrain from any actions undermining the freedom of religion".