MFA declares OCU "service" in Kenya "historic moment captured on camera"
The OCU at a "service" in Kenya. Photo: Embassy of Ukraine in Kenya
The Embassy of Ukraine in Kenya published footage of the "service" conducted by OCU spokesman Yevstratiy Zoria at one of the churches in Nairobi and described the footage as "historic."
"Historical moment captured on camera: for the first time Ukrainian hierarch of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and the priests of Nairobi diocese of Holy Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria and All Africa held the joint liturgy at the Orthodox Patriarchal Cathedral of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Nairobi," reads the Embassy's Facebook post.
The publication sparked lively discussion. The majority of commenters call Zoria a schismatic and claim he deserves anathema.
"Schismatics infecting Orthodoxy," writes Gus Langis. David Merabishvili claims that "the OCU has occupied Africa."
Mark of Ephesus invokes Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine: "Is the Ukrainian state not separated from the Church? Or is this Church part of the state?"
However, there are also comments in support of the OCU.
"This signifies the expansion of the OCU's ties and the establishment of cooperation with other Orthodox Churches. The Alexandrian Patriarchate was founded by the Apostle Mark as early as 42 AD – it is one of the most respected and influential Churches, and cooperation with it represents recognition and support for the OCU," believes Dmytro Demshin.
The UOJ previously reported that in 2015, Yevstratiy Zorya accused Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria of being "bought" by Moscow, describing his statements in support of the UOC at the time as "Alexandrian paid PR": "Once upon a time, Moscow bought the Kyiv Metropolitanate for 120 sable furs and 200 gold coins. Now it buys statements of support for vestments (instead of sables). How many gold coins were spent – perhaps history will one day tell that too... So I don't know about others, but for me such a bought opinion is not only worthless, but on the contrary — it confirms the wrongness of those in whose favor this VIP 'paid PR' sounds."
Read also
Cherkasy RMA head reports Uman's preparations for Hasidic pilgrims' visit
Uman will strengthen security measures, medical services, transportation, and checkpoints, and an operational headquarters will be established for the duration of Rosh Hashanah celebrations.
In Italy, RCC priest commits suicide over transfer to another parish
In Italy, a 75-year-old Roman Catholic priest took his own life after after the announcement of a transfer from the parish where he had served for nearly 25 years.
UOC believers in Yakushyntsi call to protect their churches from seizure
Parishioners of St. Nicholas Church and the Church of Seraphim of Sarov declared a violation of their religious rights and asked the international community to pay attention to the situation.
Protestant missionary abducted by militants released in Niger
An American Protestant missionary spent nearly ten months in captivity in Niger, where Islamist militant activity has intensified.
Prosecutors: Russian attacks damage nearly 2,000 churches and heritage sites
According to the prosecutor's office, 1,990 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine, including churches and other religious buildings, have been damaged or destroyed.
TRC detains rector of UOC parish in Khvorostiv
The Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy called on the faithful to intensify their prayers for the mobilized priest.