Authorities deny claims that icon gifted to Pope depicts Zelensky
Fragment of the icon gifted to the pope and a photo of Zelensky. Collage: UOJ
The Center for Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Culture has denied the claims made by blogger and journalist Anatoliy Shariy, who alleged that the face of the Christ Child on the icon gifted by Zelensky to Pope Leo resembles childhood photos of Zelensky himself.
According to the Center’s staff, “This icon is about Ukrainian children – those who have suffered because of the war, who were deliberately abducted and deported by Russia, and who are desperately awaited at home.”
“The idea that the icon depicts young Volodymyr Zelensky was deliberately fabricated by Shariy to discredit the Ukrainian authorities,” the Center for Strategic Studies stated, calling Shariy “pro-Russian.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that during his meeting with Pope Leo, Zelensky presented him with an icon painted on wooden boards from an ammunition crate.
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.