Shostatsky to UOC: If you are so righteous – do not cling to your churches
Shostatsky during a television broadcast. Photo: the Facebook page of the OCU’s Khmelnytskyi Eparchy
OCU Metropolitan Simeon (Shostatsky) told the Khmelnytskyi TV channel TV7plus that the UOC should pray rather than defend its churches during “transitions” into his structure.
“If you are so righteous, so pure and blameless, if you are fighting for the purity of your flock and the salvation of their souls – we know how one can pray. But what are you fighting for? For property,” Shostatsky declared.
According to him, at meetings on joining the OCU, not only those who regularly attend services may vote, but all residents of the locality where the church is situated.
“All those who live on the territory of a given locality (I am speaking especially about villages), who belong to Orthodoxy – all of them are members of that community. The church belongs not only to one particular group, but to them as well,” Shostatsky insisted. “Therefore, they have the same right as those who come every Sunday.”
The metropolitan said that those who come to church only once a year to have their Easter cakes blessed may tomorrow “change completely.”
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that, according to Shostatsky, the OCU is experiencing a real personnel shortage.
Read also
Major U.S. hospital network refuses to implement new assisted suicide law
Advocate Health Care said it would not participate in Illinois’ assisted suicide program.
OCU activists call TRC to service of persecuted UOC community in Kremenchuk
After seizing the Holy Trinity Church in Kremenchuk, Dumenko's followers attempted to disrupt the worship service of UOC believers held in the open air.
Bila Tserkva authorities attempting to seize monastery building from UOC
The Bila Tserkva City Council is attempting to reclaim the buildings of the St. Mary Magdalene Convent for communal ownership through the courts.
Egyptian police arrest Christians targeted in Muslim attacks
Copts were released once they withdrew their complaints against their assailants.
Primate of Macedonian Church congratulates Lavra's abbot on name day
Archbishop Stefan noted the zeal of the Lavra's abbot, who shares the sorrows of his flock.
Persecuted community in Stari Broskivtsi marks patronal feast in new church
The rector thanked the faithful for building a new church to replace the one that was seized.