OCU “priest”: I believe in the Armed Forces more than in God
Arsen Belavin. Photo: Belavin's Threads page
Arseniy Belavin, a “priest” of the OCU’s Odesa Diocese, wrote on Threads that he believes in the Armed Forces of Ukraine more than in God.
Belavin posted a photo of himself in a red cassock with buttons resembling Catholic clerical attire, prompting a lively wave of comments. “I thought someone was getting ready for a themed party, whoops,” wrote Uliana Lytvynenko. “The Pope. The beginning,” commented Olha Hetman. “Why do you hate the king’s musketeers so much?” Stanislav Khyzhniak asked ironically, alluding to the resemblance to Cardinal Richelieu from Dumas’ The Three Musketeers.
But there were serious comments as well.
“Do you believe in God?” Slavik Korshak asked Belavin. The OCU cleric replied: “I do. But I believe in the Armed Forces even more.” When someone responded that this was “a heretical statement, because God must come first,” Belavin explained: “If it were not for the defense forces, I would already be dead.”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU had “allowed” parishioners to use a priest’s cassock in sex games.
Read also
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.
Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats
Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.
Pochaiv Lavra calls for fasting ahead of Kyiv Metropolia court hearing
The Pochaiv Lavra Spiritual Council called on the faithful to unite in prayer and fasting from October 5 through 7.
Russian strike damages Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Sumy for fourth time
One of the aerial bombs struck the cemetery in Sumy, causing extensive damage to the church’s facade, roof and interior.
Baptist in Volyn gets suspended sentence for refusing mobilization
The Baptist denied being a draft evader, saying his religious beliefs prevent him from taking up arms.
Hundreds of faithful honor St. Kuksha in Odesa
Pilgrims had the opportunity to venerate the relics of St. Kuksha at the Dormition Monastery in Odesa.