Head of “Belarusian Autocephalous Church” prays with OCU in Pyriatyn

A joint event involving representatives of the BAOC and the OCU. Photo: CHE.CN.UA

On June 22, 2026, a joint event involving representatives of the BAOC and the OCU took place in the city of Pyriatyn. The head of the Belarusian autocephalists, “Archbishop” Sviatoslav (Lohin), held a prayer service for the return home of Ukrainian defenders who are in captivity or listed as missing. This was reported by CHE.CN.UA.

The event was held at the invitation of local authorities and volunteers. Chaplains of the 12th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade took part in the event together with Lohin. The organizers called it a “powerful manifestation of unity” that borders cannot break.

Sviatoslav Lohin spoke with the families of servicemen who are waiting every day for their loved ones to return. He said he regards the faith and resilience of the relatives as the “framework of the home front” and assured them of support from his structure. Lohin, who was born in Chernihiv, has long been known for his political stance.

In 2020, he officially declared an “anathema” against Alexander Lukashenko, and now openly calls the OCU Tomos a “guidepost” for the future of Belarus. During his conversation with the servicemen’s relatives, Lohin emphasized that his structure sees the actions of Ukrainian schismatics as an example of “spiritual independence” and seeks to eliminate the historical connection with Moscow.

As the UOJ reported, the head of the “Autocephalous Church of Belarus” said he had the support of Constantinople.

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