570 parishioners in Kelmentsi reaffirm their loyalty to UOC
UOC community in Kelmentsi. Photo: t.me/orthobuk
On March 2, 2025, 570 parishioners of the Church of the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God in the town of Kelmentsi held a religious community meeting, where they voted to remain faithful to Orthodox canons and to maintain unity with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.
"We – the parish of the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in Kelmentsi – have voted today at our meeting to remain in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the leadership of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv," the parishioners’ statement reads.
The parishioners expressed gratitude to everyone who participated in the meeting and confirmed their commitment to the canonical Church with their vote.
"Thank you to everyone who came to the meeting today and expressed their will by voting for us to remain in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church," the faithful emphasized.
The church’s rector, Father Oleh, reported that a separate meeting had been held the day before, on March 1, but neither he, the local parish, nor the residents of the village had been informed about it.
"No one knew about the March 1 meeting. Neither I, nor the church community, nor our fellow villagers were notified. Outsiders arrived with chaplains and pre-prepared lists. This is a crime – a theft. We do not need such a faith," the priest stated.
Earlier, UOJ reported that unknown individuals in Kelmentsi voted for the transfer of two UOC parishes to the OCU.
Read also
Constantinople hierarch: UOJ engages in propaganda journalism in defense of UOC
Archbishop Elpidophoros accuses the Union of Orthodox Journalists of "Russian propaganda" without providing a single fact.
Phanar’s Archdiocese in U.S. tried to derail meetings held in defense of UOC
A leaked letter from Archbishop Elpidophoros to Patriarch Bartholomew has revealed that while Orthodox Christians were seeking protection for the UOC in Washington, the Phanar was coordinating a campaign to sabotage their meetings with American politicians.
EXCLUSIVE: Abp Elpidophoros’ letter to Pat Bartholomew on defending UOC in US
Archbishop Elpidophoros reports to Patriarch Bartholomew on his efforts to derail actions by Orthodox clergy and faithful in the United States in defense of the UOC.
Zelensky awards chief rabbi "for the defense of the country"
At the celebration of Moshe Asman’s anniversary, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Territorial Defense Forces presented the rabbi with state awards and read out a message from Zelensky.
Gates foundation allocates $1 billion to promote abortion in Africa and Asia
Bill Gates and other private donors will direct funds to organizations seeking to legalize abortion and change laws in countries with traditional values.
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.