Temple in Volhynia goes to OCU despite protests of the community and rector
In the village of Dubyshche, Volyn Eparchy, the community of the Vladimir temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church transferred to the OCU contrary to the assurances of the rector. It is reported by volynnews.
The meeting of the church community was attended by the villagers and local authorities, who initiated the "transition".
Priest Mikhail Bodak, rector of the temple, noted he would remain faithful to God and was not going to the schismatics. According to the results of the vote, 59 parishioners remained together with him, while 284 people voted for the transfer of the temple community to the OCU.
“I will be faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, no matter how many are left with me – two, three – I will be a priest and spiritual mentor for them,” Father Mikhail said to the authorities’ proposal to transfer to the OCU following the example of the rural territorial community.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Ovruch authorities demanded that UOC priests either get to the OCU or vacate the churches.
Read also
Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution
At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.
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.