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
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.