Rector in Kuzmyn: I've served community for 33 years, and now become Russian?
An address by Archpriest Heorhiy Sikaliuk at the meeting in Kuzmyn. December 21, 2025 Photo: UOJ
On December 21, 2025, in the village of Kuzmyn, Khmelnytskyi district, there was a meeting where people who were not members of the religious community transferred the local Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy to the OCU. The rector of the church, Archpriest Heorhiy Sikaliuk, addressed the attendees with a speech.
The priest pointed out that he dedicated his entire life to serving the community and the church: "I came to you in '92, I was 27. I devoted my whole life to serving this church. I baptized and married you, shared joy and sorrow with you." And despite this, "today you crucify me here and say that I am Russian?" said the rector of the church.
Father Heorhiy rejected accusations of an anti-Ukrainian stance and emphasized that the sons and grandsons of the parishioners are fighting in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "We are not criminals. We are not Russians. We are Ukrainians with Ukrainian passports. Our parishioners are defending Ukraine," the priest emphasized.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote about the statement of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy regarding the meeting on the transition in Kuzmyn.
Read also
Filaret: In 2008, I secretly agreed with Bartholomew on recognizing UOC-KP
In a 2017 interview published only now, the UOC-KP head admitted he personally held secret talks at the Phanar, even though Constantinople officially regarded him as anathematized – and the Phanar was offering not autocephaly but the "acquisition" of the UOC-KP.
Kharkiv faithful honor Slobozhanshchyna patron saint – Athanasius of Lubny
The clergy and faithful of the Kharkiv Eparchy prayerfully honored the memory of St. Athanasius at the Annunciation Cathedral.
UOC Primate explains why humility makes a person strong
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry said that the path of humility opens a person to God’s help and leads to salvation.
Bill banning esoteric services submitted to Rada
A bill banning paid esoteric services, fortune-telling, magic, and advertising for such practices has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.
Church commemorates Venerable Theodosius of the Caves
The Orthodox Church honors Venerable Theodosius of the Caves – one of the founders of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and a guide of monastic life.
Trump proclaims first National Shabbat in the U.S.
The White House proclamation calls for Shabbat to be observed on May 15–16 as part of Jewish American Heritage Month.