In Pereniatyn, Archbishop Pimen prays with persecuted UOC community
Archbishop Pimen. Photo: Rivne Eparchy
On December 15, 2024, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast day of the Prophet Habakkuk, Archbishop Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh celebrated the Divine Liturgy in an improvised prayer space in the village of Pereniatyn, part of the Radiviliv Deanery. This was reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.
After their church was seized, the local community has continued to gather for prayer in a repurposed house, maintaining their faith and spiritual life.
During the service, the archbishop awarded the parish priest, Archpriest Vladyslav Basiuk, with a decorated cross, recognizing his steadfastness and loyalty to the Church, especially during the occupation in Kherson region.
In his sermon, the archbishop emphasized, "Some choose the cross, while others choose bread. You have chosen the bread that leads to the Kingdom of God," and urged the community to continue in prayer, unity, and unwavering faith.
As previously reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy, a Liturgy was celebrated in Dovhoshyya in a newly built UOC church, replacing the one that had been seized by the OCU.
Read also
Vance: A broken culture tends to turn young people into androgynous idiots
U.S. Vice President stated that modern society seeks to erase differences between genders, shaping people "who think the same, talk the same, and act the same."
In Volyn, UOC priests receive gratitude from AFU for volunteering
The clergy noted that they have always been supported by parishioners and communities willing to share their last resources.
Vance: We don't worry about earthly rewards but how we're doing before God
The Vice President of America shared that he is doing his best to follow God’s will.
Vance: Death is a bad thing, but losing your soul is much more terrible
"The fundamental tenant of the Christian faith is that the Son of God became man, He died and then He raised Himself from the dead," the U.S. Vice President reminded Americans.
Expert: The demographic situation is a national catastrophe for Ukraine
Analyst Oleksii Kusch warns that the country's population is shrinking at a catastrophic rate, yet Ukrainians do not see it as a problem.
Looters rob and desecrate a UOC church in Myrnohrad, Donbas
The thieves stole bells and a chandelier after breaking down the church doors.