OCU bishop calls shelling of Dormition Cathedral retribution for sacrilege

Culinary show in the Lavra’s Refectory Church on December 13, 2024. Photo: Facebook page of Akim Halimov

Culinary show in the Lavra’s Refectory Church on December 13, 2024. Photo: Facebook page of Akim Halimov

OCU “Archbishop” Vasyl Shlapak of Zhytomyr and Polissia wrote on his Facebook page that the destruction of the Dormition Cathedral was connected to “encroachment upon God” by those who allowed entertainment events to take place in the monastery.

According to his reasoning, the tragedy was a consequence of dances, singing performances, and culinary shows being held in churches during wartime, particularly during the Christmas season.

As an example of what he described as “sacrilege,” Shlapak cited a performance by singer Olha Polyakova, who appeared wearing a crown of thorns in front of a cross. The author of the post argued that those responsible for such actions should, at the very least, be subjected to church penance.

As previously reported by the UOJ, a song and dance ensemble performed in the Lavra’s Refectory Church.

Upper Lavra court hearing postponed

The next court hearing in the Upper Lavra case has been scheduled for November 3.

UOC priest blesses ambulances at Kamianske medical center

A UOC priest in Kamianske blessed ambulances for a medical facility and wished its doctors God's help in their work.

Dumenko to German ambassador: Law targeting UOC also applies to other groups

Epifaniy Dumenko sought to defend Ukraine’s law restricting religious organizations during a meeting with the German ambassador.

Activists bused to court hearings in UOC cases, media say

A minibus has been spotted transporting protesters to and from courthouses where UOC cases are being heard.

Firefighters save historic UOC church from fire in Zakarpattia

A fire broke out at a UOC church in the Tiachiv district, damaging the altar and church furnishings.

Volyn Eparchy faithful collect six tons of aid for Sviatohirsk Lavra

Believers in Volyn collected food and warm clothing for people displaced by the war who have found shelter at Sviatohirsk Lavra.