Absurdity and iniquity: Berehomet believers respond to the call to join OCU
The parishioners of the Intercession temple in Berehomet, Chernivtsi region, responded to the local authorities' call to move to the OCU within 10 days, stating the incompetence of officials. The collective letter of believers was posted by the press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna diocese on its Facebook page.
To prove the absurdity of the call of the authorities, believers of the UOC give a simple example.
“The 15th session of the Berehomet village council voted that the husband and wife who live in the village of Berehomet should divorce and marry other people within 10 days. From this example, it is clear that the village council does not have the authority to decide who needs to get a divorce and whom to marry,” the message says.
The letter notes that since the Church is separated from the State, local governments do not have the right to interfere in the affairs of religious communities.
“We want to remain faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” say the parishioners of the Intercession church.
Recall that on May 23, 2022, the Berehomet authorities gave church communities 10 days to move to the OCU.
Read also
Bancheny Monastery reports provocation
The UOC monastery in Bancheny has reported a provocation by unidentified individuals.
Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine
On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.
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.