New church laid in vlg Mashcha to replace temple seized by OCU
The UOC community in the village of Mascha. Photo: UOJ
This week, in the village of Mashcha, Kostopil district, Rivne region, a construction site for a new church to replace the one taken over by the OCU was consecrated, reports a UOJ correspondent.
Metropolitan Anatoly of Sarny and Polessye, concelebrated by the clergy of the eparchy, led the consecration rite. After the seizure of the temple by the supporters of the OCU, the believers of the UOC in Mascha remained faithful to their Church. The community was allocated a land plot and issued permits for a new church. It will be built in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.
Now believers are raising funds to bring in building materials and, while it is still warm, to start building walls.
As reported, for two years the religious community of the UOC has experienced regular attacks from supporters of the OCU in the village of Mashcha. Interfaith conflict around the St. John the Theologian Church often escalated into violent confrontations with beatings and threats against the head of the community and his parishioners.
Read also
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.
Dumenko brings icon in Church Slavonic to Ministry of Health
Epifaniy presented cardiologists with an Intercession icon, with inscriptions in Church Slavonic, which his structure calls a "sign of the Moscow tradition".
ISIS supporters carries out terrorist attack at anti-Islamic protest in NY
Near the home of New York's Muslim mayor, radicals threw two makeshift bombs at protesters during an anti-Islamic rally.
Hryshchuk: If UOC hands over its church itself, angle grinders aren't needed
An OCU chaplain called on UOC believers to accept the loss of the shrine for the sake of their own "enlightenment".