Rector of Valaam Metochion visits persecuted UOC community in Karpachov

Rector of the Vallam Metochion, Hegumen Photiy with the UOC clergy in Karpachov. Photo: Facebook page of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy.

On September 21, 2021, the UOC community of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Karpachov, Vyzhnytsia Deanery, which suffered as a result of church raiding by the OCU, was visited by the rector of the Valaam Stauropegic Monastery Metochion, Hegumen Photiy (Begal), as reported on the Facebook page of Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy.

Father Photiy led the All-night Vigil on the eve of the patronal feast of the persecuted community in a temporary church where the UOC believers of Karpachov hold services after the seizure of their church by OCU activists with the support of the authorities. He was concelebrated by the priest Igor Soroka, the rector of the church, and the local clergy.

Hegumen Photiy has been the head of the Priozersk Metochion of the Valaam Monastery since 1991. Recently, by the decree of Patriarch Kirill, he has been appointed head of the Metochion in Sortavala.

As reported, the hierarch of the UOC laid a stone for a new church in Karpachov to replace the seized one.

Read also

U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors

The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.

Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure

The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.

Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia

The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.

Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure

In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.

European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says

Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.

Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day

Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.