UGCC defrocks priest for defecting to OCU
Bohdan Murovanyi. Photo: Bohdan Murovanyi's FB
The Sokal-Zhovkva Eparchy of the UGCC announced that former priest Bohdan Murovanyi has been defrocked. The decision dated November 3, 2025 was made "in accordance with the Decree of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith regarding a grave sinful act bearing signs of a crime of schismatic character."
On September 8, 2023, Murovanyi concelebrated with the head of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy of the OCU, Matviy Shevchuk, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ in Volodymyr. After this, the UGCC issued a decree banning him from priestly service, citing canon 702 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, which forbids a Catholic priest from concelebrating the Liturgy with non-Catholic clergy.
According to the eparchy's statement, Murovanyi has been stripped of all ecclesiastical offices and dignities. He is forbidden to celebrate the Liturgy, baptize, perform marriages, and hear confessions (except in cases of mortal danger). If he attempts to perform marriages or hear confessions, these sacraments will be not merely unlawful, but invalid – that is, devoid of grace and having no canonical force.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UGCC called clergy who shift to the OCU schismatics.
Read also
Italian Ambassador to Ukraine thanks UOC for Odesa cathedral restoration
At the reception for Republic Day in Kyiv, diplomat Carlo Formosa noted the Church's contribution to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) assigned to serve in Brazil
After the incident in Czechia, Metropolitan Hilarion will continue his ministry in the Argentine and South American Eparchy.
Israel introduces fines for use of loudspeakers in mosques
Law enforcement officers have received permission to confiscate sound equipment in case of violations.
Catholicos of All Armenians bans government interference in Church affairs
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II reported the initiation of more than a dozen criminal cases against clergy.
Synod of Romanian Church accepts resignation of Met. Petru of Bessarabia
The Synod Chancellery announced preparations for the election of a new head of the metropolis and the formation of a list of candidates.
Metropolitan Onuphry chairs final meeting of KDAiS Academic Council
The Primate of the UOC awarded orders to distinguished employees of the KDAiS and wished the teaching staff God's help in their continued service to the Church.