In Lutsk Kiev Patriarchate is set to grab the temple of XII century

On June 18, 2017, a group of priests of the Volyn eparchy of the UOC-KP headed by Metropolitan Mikhail (Zinkevich) held a demonstrative worship service on the territory of archaeological excavations – ancient ruins of the architectural monument of national importance, the oldest stone building in Lutsk: the Orthodox church of St. John the Theologian. This is reported by Волынь24.

The destroyed relic is a unique structure that is located on the territory of the medieval castle of Prince Lubart in the Old Town. Little liturgical services are held in the temple covered by the dome permanently, for example, on May 21, 2017, on the feast day of the Apostle John the Theologian, the clergy of the Volyn eparchy of the UOC held a public prayer here. From time to time, upon the agreements with the leadership of the historical and cultural reserve, canonical Liturgy services were also held here. Representatives of other faiths could enjoy free entrance to the temple coordinating their actions.

As the correspondent of the UOJ reports, the loud appearance in the temple of the procession led by the "metropolitan" of the Kyiv Patriarchate, as the local historians admit, does not promise anything good to the ancient construction. "Vladyka" has already stated that he "sanctifies the territory from the spirit of Muscovites and Uniates, from the spirit of the invaders."

Zinkevich told about his plans for the architectural and church relic: "I declare this church as a restored Volyn cathedra – the first cathedral, where divine services will be held regularly."

The head of the Kyiv Patriarchate’s eparchy has already shown its attitude to architectural monuments. At the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Lutsk captured by supporters of the UOC-KP there has been systemically destroyed a church cemetery for several years now, with the external appearance of the temple having been significantly damaged.

The temple of the Apostle John the Theologian is a partially preserved structure of the ancient stone structure of the city of Lutsk, its first temple, dated 1175-1180. The church used to be very high, its architectural design is unique, therefore, this temple played a very important role in the political and secular life of Volyn region.