UOC cleric: 100 years ago, we were "German spies", now we are “Russian”
Archpriest Michael Varakhoba, head of the Legal Department of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy, speaking of the persecution of UOC priests by the authorities and supporters of the OCU, compared it to the persecution of the Church in the 1920s. He said this in a conversation with human rights activist Victoria Kokhanovska.
"Everything that is happening today reminds me of the events of a century ago, when the Bolsheviks accused our priests of being German agents and shot them," Father Michael said.
The priest also noted that Orthodox believers are not used to solving problems through aggression and quarrels.
"We have been teaching our flock to respond with good to evil for two thousand years. And when they come to beat our priests, our old women fall to their knees and begin to pray for the villains," the priest said.
As reported, the UOC priest said that everyone involved in the persecution of the Church will have to answer for it.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.