Network reacts to Epifaniy's statement about OCU having 9,000 parishes

In the Cathedral of the OCU. Photo: UOJ

In the Cathedral of the OCU. Photo: UOJ

Andriy Hlushchenko, a Facebook user, reacted to the report of the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko at the bishops' council, who claimed that his structure consists of "45 dioceses, which in Ukraine amount to 9,000 communities."

"9000 parishes and only 5700 clergy? Obviously, including deacons. So, at least 3300 parishes (more than a third!) of the OCU do not have any own priests at all?" Hlushchenko inquires.

In addition, he notes that there are more than one clergyman in some OCU cathedrals, which means that there are even more priestless parishes.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on the number of parishioners in UOC and OCU churches on Easter in 2024.

Innsbruck Catholic church to be converted into bouldering gym

A Catholic church in Innsbruck, Austria, is going to become a bouldering gym.

Anthropic warns of existential AI threat

The developers of Claude warned that artificial intelligence could pose a catastrophic threat to humanity without adequate safeguards.

DESS chief discusses OCU membership with World Council of Churches

World Council of Churches representatives explained the organization's membership admission process to DESS officials.

KDAiS hosts conference on religious and secular education

The Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary hosted its 18th international academic conference, bringing together 63 speakers and marking anniversaries associated with St. Peter Mohyla.

OCU “brethren” take national unity dictation in Lavra Refectory Church

The reserve administration organized a national radio dictation in the Lavra's Refectory Church to help participants “feel connected through language.”

Ecumenism leads to religion of Antichrist, U.S. theologian says

Theologian Fr. Peter Heers described ecumenism as the greatest temptation of the last days and a heresy concerning the nature of the Church.