In Kremenchuk, deputy speaks out in defense of UOC

Parishioners of the UOC Cathedral in Kremenchuk prevented representatives of the OCU from entering their church. 26.10.2024. Photo: Kremenchuk Eparchy

During the latest session of the Poltava Regional Council, Kremenchuk deputy and member of the Batkivshchyna faction, Mykola Koretsky, expressed his stance on the closure of churches and the situation surrounding the Dormition Cathedral in Kremenchuk, reports Kremenchuk Gazeta. Koretsky noted that a year ago, regional deputies decided to close UOC churches, and this process is still ongoing.

Speaking about the Dormition Cathedral, which he attends every Sunday, the deputy accused OCU supporters of forging documents for the church and thanked the police for preventing them from accessing the cathedral. "I will vote for the appeal, but it’s as welcome as snow in harvest," Koretsky said, implying the futility of certain actions.

In his speech, Koretsky urged people not to seize churches. "I love and respect all of you, and I ask that churches not be occupied. We need to turn to God, not to seek weapons and harm our poor, unfortunate soldiers," he emphasized.

Following Koretsky’s speech, Regional Council Chairman Oleksandr Bilenky suggested that council sessions begin with a prayer.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the OCU in Kremenchuk reconsidered "serving" in the UOC church.

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