Parishioners not allowed to attend "meeting on transition" to OCU in Makariv

In Makariv, people who were "appointed by conscience" did not let parishioners into the meeting. Photo: Dozor

On February 18, 2024, in Makariv, Kiyiv region, former deputy Serhiy Vozny and activist Hryshachev, who organized "transitions" in Pilypovychi and Druzhnia villages on February 17, gathered at the cultural center for a "transition meeting" to the OCU of the Sts. Demetrius and Elias temples, according to Dozor.

Unknown people in military uniforms only let those with Makariv registration into the cultural center. Parishioners who attend the Sts. Demetrius and Elias temples from neighboring villages were not allowed into the "meeting".

When asked who authorized these people to check passports and not let parishioners into the state institution, a person in camouflage replied that his "conscience as a patriot of Ukraine" appointed him.

In the end, only about 40 people from two religious communities were able to get inside. Even the priests were not allowed in. All other members of the community remained outside, where they held their meeting and decided to stay in the UOC.

The priest of the St. Elias community, Father Andriy Yarosh, reminded that according to the charter of the church community, only the priest convenes its meeting.

"I testify before everyone – I did not convene this meeting, which is taking place in the cultural center, and I have never seen the people inside the center come to church," the priest said.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that raiders of the OCU failed to organize a "transition meeting" in the village of Druzhnia.

Read also

UOC starts Easter charity drive to support children of displaced families

The UOC has launched a charity initiative: 2,000 Easter kulichi will be delivered to children from displaced families, to orphans and boarding-school pupils, and to families in front-line regions.

Volodymyr city authorities formalizing transfer of UOC chapel to OCU

During a briefing, the mayor of Volodymyr in Volyn Region reported on the progress of paperwork to transfer the UOC chapel dedicated to St Volodymyr into OCU ownership.

President’s Office head celebrates Purim with Jews

Kyrylo Budanov and his deputy, Iryna Mudra, visited Kyiv’s Jewish community.

OCU delegation hands gifts to Patriarch Bartholomew from Epifaniy Dumenko

An OCU delegation visited the residence of the head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople at the Phanar to congratulate Patriarch Bartholomew on his birthday and deliver gifts.

Middle Eastern Christians face growing threat amid Iran war, advocates warn

A Catholic rights organization says a fresh escalation could push the region’s Christian communities to the brink of disappearance.

German McDonald's removes food from adverts until sunset over Ramadan

In Germany, during the Muslim fast, a fast-food chain hides food images in advertising during the day and shows them only in the evening.