Dumenko discusses struggle against UOC with "Azov" command
Dumenko with "Azov" leadership and chaplains. Photo: OCU press service
On May 7, 2026, the head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko received in his residence on the territory of St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery the first deputy commander of the "Azov" corps, Colonel Sviatoslav Palamar, reports the press service of the structure.
The meeting participants, with the struggle against the UOC in mind, discussed methods of countering Russian influence through church structures in Ukraine and outlined a plan for joint activities in seized shrines.
The negotiations also involved OCU chaplains Mykola Vizer and Ivan Mykhaylishin, as well as a representative of the Main Directorate of the National Guard, Oleksandr Izdebsky.
Dumenko blessed representatives of the organization, known for its adherence to neo-pagan cults, to conduct a "special prayer" on May 17 at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
It should be recalled that "Azov" servicemen regularly conduct "mysteries" and "day of the dead" rituals, imitating ancient Scandinavian pagan traditions. During such rituals, participants burn improvised Viking ships (drakkars) and declare that their fallen comrades go not to the Kingdom of Heaven, but to "Valhalla" or "Vyriy".
Representatives of the unit openly call these actions a "sacred mystery," emphasizing their exceptional significance for the internal ideology of the structure. Such events are clear evidence of the demand for Christian prayer among "Azov" and the importance of Orthodox shrines for participants of this military corps.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Epifaniy handed over a copy of the Tomos for sale at an auction in Chernivtsi.
Read also
UOC delegation meets with Patriarch Shio in Georgia
Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III received a delegation of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the Georgian Patriarchate.
UOC marks Synaxis of Poltava Saints
Metropolitan Philip celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Horbanivka Monastery in Poltava on the feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of Poltava.
Rector of UOC church in Kramatorsk sent for second military medical exam
Lawyers have secured a second military medical examination for Archpriest Oleg Kruchinin, who was unlawfully detained by TRC officers.
Jews, Muslims, Catholics, and OCU pray together at St. Sophia Cathedral
Representatives of Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and OCU communities held an ecumenical prayer service for Ukraine in Kyiv.
Horbanivka Theootokos Icon honored at Poltava Eparchy monastery
Metropolitan Philip of Poltava and Myrhorod led a festal service at the Horbanivka Convent.
Greek hierarch: Clergy should use social media to bring people to Church
The Church of Greece hierarch stressed that while the internet and YouTube can be useful, they cannot replace in-person participation in church life.