OCU priest: Zelensky’s event in Kyiv Lavra "plays into hands of enemies"

An event with Zelensky in the Refectory Church. Photo: President's website

One of the most media-active “priests” of the OCU, Roman Hryshchuk, sharply criticized the authorities for using the Trapezna (Refectory) Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for secular events. In his Facebook post, Hryshchuk noted that the OCU has limited access to this church, even though it is no longer in the ownership by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

He emphasized that society itself elected the authorities, which, according to him, are now trampling on the Church, turning holy sites into venues for events that do not align with their spiritual significance. He observed that instead of holding celebrations in appropriate secular venues, such as restaurants or halls, the authorities choose a church, which, in Hryshchuk's opinion, could be used by the "Russian world" propaganda machine to discredit Ukraine.

Hryshchuk lamented that the OCU has access to the church only on certain days, undermining both the reputation of Dumenko's organization and the spiritual atmosphere of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. He urged people to reflect on the consequences of such actions, which he believes play into the hands of Ukraine’s enemies.

"The abomination of desolation in the temple, in souls, in the country. Only the Lord remains to rely on," the OCU cleric concluded.

As the UOJ previously reported, Roman Hryshchuk stated that he is mentally sound.

Read also

Patriarch of Jerusalem calls on Churches to support Christians of Holy Land

The primate of the Church of Jerusalem said that in a time of crisis the Orthodox world is obliged to provide spiritual and prayerful support to the faithful of the region.

Peace in Ukraine is still far away, says nuncio

The Vatican’s ambassador to Ukraine said society does not trust negotiations, pointing to the experience of previous international agreements.

Children receive gifts from UOC Primate in Kherson Eparchy

In the Kherson region, His Beatitude’s charitable foundation congratulated children on the holidays.

Number of Orthodox сhurches grows by third over 15 years in France – report

The report records an increase in the number of clergy by almost 40% – a sharp contrast with declining religious practice among Catholics and Protestants in France.

Shevchuk claims Putin wants him dead, Australian media report

In an article by an Australian newspaper, the head of the UGCC spoke of threats against him and linked them to the policies of Russia’s leadership.

Patriarch of Antioch expresses support for UOC

The Primate of the Antiochian Church emphasized that the canonical Church in Ukraine is the UOC.