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.

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