OCU suspends Kyiv Patriarchate cleric who alleges extortion
UOC-KP cleric Andriy Rychak with parishioners. Photo: Rychak's Facebook page
OCU “Bishop” Yakiv Makarchuk of Drohobych and Sambir has suspended Kyiv Patriarchate cleric Andriy Rychak, who accused the eparchial leadership of repeatedly demanding money and failing to honor its promises.
In an open appeal to OCU leader Epifaniy Dumenko, Rychak said Makarchuk had made him numerous promises, including assigning him several parishes. After suffering a stroke, Rychak spent four years working with his congregation to restore a church in the village of Zavadka.
However, the cleric said that instead of receiving the promised parishes, he faced constant demands for money and financial pressure from the “bishop.” He also accused the eparchial leadership of manipulating the situation by invoking an allegedly fabricated diagnosis concerning his child.
Tensions escalated further when, according to the Kyiv Patriarchate cleric, the Zavadka community decided to join the OCU, but Makarchuk blocked the transfer, forcing parishioners to defend their rights in court.
“Instead of an open discussion and proper consideration of the situation, it all ended with my suspension... The bishop considers the Church his personal property, and the will of the people means nothing to him.”
As the UOJ previously reported, OCU cleric Yuriy Matveitsov refused to recognize his suspension and accused a “bishop” of usurping authority.
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