"Hierarch" of OCU Mikhail Zinkevich holds a "service" in patriarchal mantle

"Hierarch" of the OCU Mikhail Zinkevich in the patriarchal mantle. Photo: OCU

Mikhail Zinkevich, “bishop” of the OCU, appeared before the flock at the last “divine service” on the feast of Trinity in a green mantle, which, in the tradition of the Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian Churches, is worn exclusively by patriarchs. The corresponding photos are posted on the Facebook page of the Volyn Diocese of the OCU.

The mantle, in which Zinkevich appeared, exactly repeats the vestments of Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill and Patriarch of the Bulgarian Church Neophytos – a green cloth on which there are two white and one red stripes.

Patriarch Kirill

While the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church wears a cockle, the Bulgarian Primate wears a white hood. That is, the vestments Zinkevich was wearing is completely identical to those of the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.

Patriarch Neophytos of Bulgaria
Patriarch Porfirije of Serbia

Earlier, Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev said that during the "Unification Council" of the OCU, Filaret Denisenko announced an ultimatum: either "metropolitan" Mikhail would withdraw his candidacy from the vote or the head of the UOC-KP would not sign a decree on the dissolution of the Kyiv Patriarchate.

Later, Mikhail Zinkevich announced that Andrei Parubiy and Petro Poroshenko forced him to withdraw his candidacy at the "council", but he did not give up his desire to head the OCU.

Read also

Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution

At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.

Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession

The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.

Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy

In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.

London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights

In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.

DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty

DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.

Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service

A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.