In Chernivtsi, Dumenko shares prayer breakfast with Catholics and Jews

Dumenko attended a prayer breakfast in Chernivtsi. Photo: ACC

Head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko took part in the VI Bukovynian Prayer Breakfast in Chernivtsi. The event, which took place on July 3, 2026, was attended by representatives of local authorities, various religious denominations, military personnel, and volunteers, reports ACC.

The gathering brought together officials and clergy for a joint prayer for Ukraine and a charity auction. Head of the Chernivtsi RMA Ruslan Osipenko thanked the head of the OCU for leading the prayer and stated that such gatherings are important for uniting society in the face of serious challenges.

In his address, Epifaniy Dumenko claimed that the war in Ukraine has been going on not for years but for centuries. "This war has not been going on for just the last four years since the full-scale invasion, or for 12 years since the beginning of this war and since the Revolution of Dignity," said Dumenko. "It has been going on for several centuries. The enemy is the same. He is trying to destroy and enslave us."

He urged people to learn from history and avoid internal divisions that had previously led to the loss of independence and national ruin. "There were times when the Kyivan state flourished, but because of internal strife and a lack of understanding, we lost our statehood and fell into ruin," the head of the OCU said. "That is why we must study our history not only in words, but in practice."

The tradition of prayer breakfasts in Chernivtsi has existed since 2018. The event is positioned as a platform for the spiritual unity of representatives of various religious communities and state structures in wartime.

As the UOJ reported, Dumenko told a British delegation about the price of Ukraine's "European choice".

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