Active opponent of UOC in Irpin again charged with corruption
Markushin (left) received an order from Dumenko for the "transfers" of UOC churches. Photo: OCU
Law enforcement officials have announced a new suspicion against Oleksandr Markushyn, the former mayor of Irpin, involved in a series of seizures of UOC temples in Irpin and other settlements in the Kyiv region.
According to the investigation, in 2019 Markushyn – then still the deputy mayor of Irpin – organized the illegal seizure of a communal land plot and a boiler house building located in the central part of Irpin. He has been notified of suspicion under Part 2, Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – abuse of power or official position.
Previously, a case concerning Markushyn’s trip abroad from August 24 to 30, 2022, was opened. The mayor of Irpin allegedly went to Italy to seek assistance for the military. However, according to the prosecutor, he did not provide any documents confirming volunteer activities abroad.
Markushyn is known for his active opposition to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and his involvement in the seizures of UOC temples in the Kyiv region. He organized fake “meetings” to transfer temples to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), gathering public sector employees and preventing real parishioners from entering. Under Markushyn, there is not a single UOC temple left in Irpin.
For this, the head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, awarded Markushyn an order.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the mayor of Irpin, who was “transferring” temples to the OCU, was taken into custody.
Read also
St. Nicholas Church parish of Dnipro delivers aid to Kherson region residents
Believers of the Dnipropetrovsk Eparchy carried out a humanitarian mission to the Kherson region.
Celebrations honoring miraculous icon of Theotokos begin at Pochaiv Lavra
The festive All-Night Vigil at the Pochaiv Lavra began with an akathist before the miraculous Pochaiv Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Nathanael consecrates iconostasis in Nosachevychi
The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy led the Divine Liturgy at the St. Equal-to-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene Church, where he consecrated the iconostasis.
Police officers in England invited to observe Ramadan fast in solidarity
British police officers of all faiths have been encouraged to observe the Ramadan fast alongside their Muslim colleagues to better understand the significance of Islam's holiest month.
Canada's army bans prayers and mentions of God
A new directive recommends that Canadian military personnel use neutral «spiritual reflections» instead of religious addresses, in order to accommodate the beliefs of atheists.
Faithful at Lavra urged to remain loyal to Christ despite trials
During a prayer vigil, a priest recalled the Gospel examples of the Apostle Peter and St. Mary Magdalene, Equal-to-the-Apostles, speaking about the power of faith.