OCU rep awaits authorities to expel UOC monks from Pochaiv Holy Spirit Skete
Pochaiv Holy Spirit Skete of the UOC. Photo: Pochaiv Lavra website
The "metropolitan" of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Nestor Pysyk, whom the Synod of Dumenko’s structure appointed as the "abbot" of the newly created on paper "Pochaiv Holy Spirit Monastery of the Ternopil Diocese of the UOC (OCU)," told Suspilne that he expects the state to expel the UOC monks so he can populate the skete with his people. There are no monks yet, but Pysyk hopes they will appear in due time.
According to him, during UOC services in the skete, "violations" were committed.
"As usual, the Moscow Patriarchate, when given architectural monuments to use, starts to destroy and rebuild them, altering them from the way the state and those preserving historical heritage envision them, instead shaping them as they see fit," Pysyk complained to journalists.
He believes that the expulsion of the UOC from the monastery is a foregone conclusion.
"The state, the people, and society want these premises not to be left empty, they want these churches to function, the monastery to have life, for services to be held, and monks to reside there. There is an opinion that the Ukrainian Church should settle in this monastery and that OCU monks should live there," the "hierarch" stated. According to him, settling the OCU there will be "a brick in the foundation of Ukraine's victory over Russia."
He also mentioned that the skete is designed for 30 monks but admitted that he has no one to populate it with.
"I am not ready to say how many there will be initially, but I believe that over time, the brotherhood will grow. All monasteries start with a small number. None have begun with dozens of monks; it has always started with just a few," Pysyk stated, adding that he is willing to accept UOC monks into the OCU if "they are truly convinced, if they understand that they want to be with Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Church."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU had created the structure "Pochaiv Holy Spirit Monastery".
Read also
In Odesa region, Jehovah's Witness sentenced to three years for draft evasion
A resident of the Odesa region who practices the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses received a real prison sentence due to his refusal to perform military service based on his convictions.
Metropolitan Theodosiy explains why persecutions benefit the Church
The bishop called not to justify evil but to see in trials an opportunity to achieve humility and love – the goals of Christian life.
Court finds Metropolitan Theodosiy guilty
The court found Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy guilty of inciting inter-religious hatred.
Foreign Minister congratulates Dumenko and presents him with valuable watch
Dumenko discussed with the Foreign Minister the role of the OCU during wartime and the significance of the Tomos of Autocephaly.
Kherson Holy Spirit Cathedral of UOC shelled again
Shells damaged the church roof, the bell tower and the chapel. The eparchial administration buildings also suffered from shelling.
Greek authorities to close illegal mosques in Athens
A large-scale inspection of religious sites has begun in Athens, during which authorities intend to close around 60 mosques operating without permits