Dumenko counts three times as many believers in the OCU as in the UOC
Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: pravda.com.ua
In an interview with RBC-Ukraine, the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko spoke about sociological polls that claim that among Ukrainians who consider themselves Orthodox there are three times more supporters of his religious organization than the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
According to him, these polls showed that 50% of Ukrainians who identified themselves as Orthodox consider themselves parishioners of the OCU and only 15% are loyal to the UOC. “According to various sociological polls, Orthodox Christians have constituted in total about 72-73% over the recent years in Ukraine. More than 50% associate themselves with the OCU, consider themselves to be believers of our Church. There is a part, about 15%, of those who call themselves loyal to the Russian Orthodox Church in Ukraine,” Dumenko said.
He also said that when the OCU supporters in Ukraine amount to 80-90%, it will be possible to carry out a calendar reform and celebrate Christmas on December 25 instead of January 7.
At the same time, according to the official data of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine for 2020, there are 12,410 parishes of the UOC and only 7097 of the OCU in the country.
As reported by the UOJ, Epifaniy Dumenko said that the help of law enforcement agencies and authorities is required for the transfer of communities to the OCU.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.