BOC bishop: We did not invite Dumenko to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte
Dumenko near Patriarch Neophyte's coffin. Photo: pomisna.info
Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church revealed that Epifaniy Dumenko, the head of the OCU, was not invited by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte.
He recounted, "When the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte took place and the head of the non-canonical Ukrainian church, Serhiy Dumenko, arrived, our Synod did not invite him."
"Some of our hierarchs decided that if he wanted to participate in the service, we would not concelebrate with him," Metropolitan Gabriel said.
He stressed that some Bulgarian hierarchs had a firm intention not to serve with Dumenko, but thankfully, he did not even try to so as "not to get in trouble".
Metropolitan Gabriel also stated that he cannot say who exactly invited Dumenko: "He was not invited by the Synod, we invited the Ecumenical Patriarch, we invited other Churches, but we did not invite him."
Earlier the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church did not authorize to concelebrate with the OCU.
Read also
Hundreds of faithful honor St. Kuksha in Odesa
Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Kuksha at the Dormition Monastery in Odesa.
Activists attack UOC lawyers during Upper Lavra court hearing
UOC lawyer Archpriest Nikita Chekman reported that the legal team was blocked inside a café during an air raid alert and subjected to attempts at physical intimidation.
UOC hierarchs mark 25th anniversary of monastery in Seltso
Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavria led the Divine Liturgy at the St. John the Theologian Monastery to mark the anniversary of its founding.
Kyiv resident charged over threats against Ukraine’s chief rabbi
A Kyiv resident faces up to five years in prison for posting online threats against Ukraine’s chief rabbi.
"We were about to leave, but were detained" – Phanar bishop on OCU creation
Metropolitan Gregorios described how the Constantinople delegation was taken under police escort to Poroshenko and prevented from leaving Ukraine.
Yurash tells Cardinal Zuppi which issues to address during Russia visit
Ukraine stressed the need for tangible results during the latest stage of the Holy See’s special mission in Russia.