Cleric of Izium Eparchy banned for violating priestly oath
Archpriest Vitaly Berkin banned from ministry. Photo: Izium Eparchy
Archbishop Ioann of Izium and Kupiansk, by his decree dated August 27, 2025, prohibited the former rector of the UOC Church of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian in the village of Ternova, Chuhuiv Deanery in Kharkiv region, Archpriest Vitaly Berkin, from serving. This was reported by the press service of the Izium Eparchy.
"The cleric is prohibited from performing services based on the 10th, 11th, and 39th Rules of the Holy Apostles, the 2nd Canon of the Antiochian Council, for deviation into schism, gross violation of the priestly oath, the Resolutions of the Council of Bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church dated November 13, 2018, and the decisions of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church," states the document.
The priest was also prohibited from partaking of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, wearing the pectoral cross, and priestly vestments.
Earlier, Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch and Korosten, by his decree dated April 9, 2025, banned a cleric of the Ovruch Eparchy from priesthood.
Read also
ISIS threatened Pope Leo XIV with death before his visit to Spain
A radical group has distributed posters calling for the murder of the pontiff during his apostolic journey to Madrid and Barcelona.
Singer Alina Grosu Attacked Online for Choosing UOC Church for Baptism
Sonya Koshkina launched sharp attacks on the singer and her entourage for the baptism at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi.
Italian Ambassador to Ukraine thanks UOC for Odesa cathedral restoration
At the reception for Republic Day in Kyiv, diplomat Carlo Formosa noted the Church's contribution to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) reassigned to serve in Brazil
After the incident in Czechia, Metropolitan Hilarion will continue his ministry in the Argentine and South American Eparchy.
Israel introduces fines for use of loudspeakers in mosques
Law enforcement officers have received permission to confiscate sound equipment in case of violations.
Catholicos of All Armenians bans government interference in Church affairs
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II reported the initiation of more than a dozen criminal cases against clergy.