In Mala Liubasha, a new church laid to replace seized one by OCU
The UOC community in Mala Liubasha with the clergy and Met. Anatoly after the foundation of a new church. Photo: UOJ
On September 12, 2021, in the village of Mala Liubasha, Rivne region, a capsule and a stone were laid on the site of the construction of a new temple to replace the one seized by OCU supporters. The celebrations on this occasion were led by Metropolitan Anthony of Sarny and Polessye, reports the UOJ correspondent.
The believers of the UOC laid the foundation for the construction of the church back in early August this year, at the same time they also brought in construction materials, which they purchased with the donors’ funds.
“Those who were not indifferent helped us to buy the land plot,” says Father Alexey Onischuk. “I turned to the UOJ with a request to post an article where our community asks for help in purchasing a land plot. Immediately after the material was published on the site, money began to transfer to the card, and then the entrepreneur Andrey Biba responded and bought us 16 acres of land, where construction work is now underway."
On the day the stone was laid, the priests and laity from neighboring settlements came to support the religious community of the UOC, which the raiders from the OCU deprived of the church.
Vladyka Anthony, after the solemn laying of the capsule, addressed words of gratitude and support to the believers of the UOC:
“The political component has brought division to the village,” the Metropolitan said. “We all clearly understand and accept everything as it is. I am glad for you, for the fact that you have preserved the faith of your ancestors and now pass it on to your descendants in this church, which you will build with your own hands. May God help and bless you!"
According to the believers of the UOC, from that moment on, the process of active construction will gain momentum. Already from Monday, the masters begin to erect the walls of the temple. The plans are to cover the temple by winter.
Now the UOC community is celebrating a service in the priest's house, where the rector has arranged two rooms for prayer needs.
AS reported, the violent seizure of the UOC church by OCU activists in the village of Mala Liubasha took place on April 3, 2019.
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