UOC priest in court: The case against us is a case against the Church
Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin and Orthodox journalist Volodymyr Bobechko. Photo: UOJ
On 6 June 2024, UOC priest Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin stated that "the whole case", which is being considered against him and the Orthodox journalists, is "a case against the Church".
During an appellate court hearing regarding the change of the preventive measure, Archpriest Serhiy stated, "It's all made up when they accuse journalists, when they accuse priests of engaging in some subversive activities," the priest believes.
He continued, "What subversive activities were we engaged in? When we spoke about the violations of the Church's rights? When a child is driven out of their home? Is that our criminal activity?"
The judge interrupted Father Serhiy, demanding him to "stick to the point" and suddenly remembered that "we all walk under God".
As earlier reported, according to Archpriest Serhiy Chertylin, he is accused of being a representative of the "wrong" Church.
Read also
OCU parishioners in Kosmach sue each other over December 25 service
An OCU parish in Ivano-Frankivsk Region held no services either on December 25 or on January 7.
Analyst likens Bankova’s case against UOC to Stalin-era repression
Bondarenko said the way the authorities justify pressure on the Church may amount to the rhetoric of the totalitarian era.
Christmas caroling and festive concerts held across UOC eparchies
During the January celebration of the Nativity of Christ, UOC communities across the country sing carols, hold concerts, and organize charitable initiatives.
Primate: God’s law is written in every human heart
During a sermon in Boryspil, His Beatitude reminded the faithful of the meaning of Christmas and the need to live according to God’s commandments.
Media: Transgender-identified inmates sexually assault women in US prisons
Female inmates, who have been interviewed extensively as part of the research on the impact of gender ideology in custodial settings, describe the facility as “a haven for sexual predators who pretend to be transgender.”
Guardian: Bible sales in Britain hit new highs in 2025
Specialists are noting growing interest in Christian texts amid social change and a rethinking of faith’s role in contemporary society.