In Zaporizhzhia Eparchy, UOC temple may be confiscated over debts

The UOC temple of the UOC Zaporizhzhia Eparchy. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of the UOC

The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Derzhavnaya" of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is facing the threat of seizure due to a debt that the community has nearly fully repaid, reports the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy. According to parishioners, over 70% of the faithful have lost the ability to financially support the church due to the current situation.

"Those trying to take away our church – haters of Christ – have decided to profit from the property of the Church and seize the church to pocket the proceeds by selling it at auction," stated the press service.

Representatives of the UOC community claim that the company "POSITIV", which was responsible for utility services, failed to meet its obligations. Parishioners regularly carried out part of the work themselves, and repairs on the church grounds were also made at the community's expense. Despite this, the church faces claims, and both the executive and judicial systems have ignored the community's appeals and requests.

"We have practically paid off all the debts, but the company that was supposed to provide services did nothing over the years," representatives of the church stated.

The private executor handling the case has refused to communicate or answer calls. The church's parishioners are asking for prayers for help in resolving the issue and are calling for all parties involved in the conflict to be admonished.

As reported by the UOJ, the court previously upheld the decision of the Zaporizhzhia City Council to break with the UOC.

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