In Kyiv, OCU allowed into St. Cyril’s Church
Dumenko and associates at St. Cyril’s Church of Kyiv. Photo: OCU
On May 11, 2025, the head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Serhii Dumenko, together with his associates, held a religious event at the ancient St. Cyril’s Church of Kyiv, reports the OCU website.
“From now on and until the liberation of the Luhansk region from Russian occupation, the St. Cyril’s Church will serve as the center of the Luhansk Eparchy. Therefore, during the service, representatives of the local authorities of the region, led by the head of the Luhansk Regional State Administration and Regional Military Administration, Oleksii Kharchenko, prayed along with internally displaced persons,” the OCU website stated.
St. Cyril’s Church is under the administration of the National Reserve “Saint Sophia of Kyiv”. Since 2011, it has housed the Cyril Monastery of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The lease agreement with the Ministry of Culture expired on January 30, 2025. Officials declined to renew the lease for the monastery.
The OCU did not specify on what legal basis the church was designated the “center of the Luhansk Eparchy”.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an OCU cleric had accidentally shown that he was serving on an antimins signed by Patriarch Kirill.
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