Dumenko complains that Russia is removing altars and icons from OCU temples
Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: OCU press service
Epifaniy Dumenko in a publication dedicated to the launch of his structure in the previously UOC-owned Assumption Cathedral of Kaniv, complained that representatives of the Russian Federation are taking liturgical items from the churches of the OCU.
Mentioning Russia’s appropriation of “our birthright,” Dumenko stated that “even physically, as we can see, it is removing altars, icons, and other sacred items from our Ukrainian temples, hoping in this way to at least hinder the development of the true Local Church, to stall the process of ecclesiastical unification, the process of liberating Orthodox Ukrainians from the yoke of the 'Russian World'”.
“But this criminal ambition is failing. For the light of truth, the word of truth, destroys Russian deceit and leads people out of darkness,” Epifaniy assured.
Since the OCU has never officially reported that its churches were looted by Russian citizens, it can be assumed that Dumenko was referring to cases in which, prior to the forcible takeover of UOC churches by OCU-aligned activists, the parish communities relocated their sacred items to a safe place in order to continue services elsewhere.
What connection Ukrainian citizens from UOC communities have to Russia, Dumenko did not clarify.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Dumenko, the enemy had been destroying the Ukrainian liturgical language for centuries.
Read also
Shell hits UOC church in Kherson, rector’s wife injured
As a result of shelling, a side chapel was destroyed and the church dome was damaged at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Kherson. There are also injured.
OCU accuses UOC-KP members of “crimes against canonical order”
The leadership of the OCU has asserted its exclusive right to the Kyiv Patriarchate brand and threatened punishment against Nikodym Kobzar and his associates.
Moldovan bishop tells UN of pressure on the Church
Speaking at the UN, Archbishop Markell said the authorities are putting pressure on the Orthodox Church of Moldova and threatening the seizure of churches.
UOC clergy deliver aid to frontline monasteries and parishes
Clergy of the Kyiv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church delivered aid to frontline monasteries and parishes that provide daily support to refugees and the needy.
Vinnytsia region bans religious processions and pilgrimages until December
Vinnytsia’s Defense Council has imposed strict restrictions on believers ahead of the Easter holidays.
Nicaraguan authorities release 1,200 prisoners for Holy Week
In Nicaragua, more than a thousand inmates were released from prison during Holy Week and sent home under a “family cohabitation” regime, with an appeal to begin a “new life.”