Archimandrite Speaks of OCU Provocations at Funeral Service in Stari Broskovtsi
Archimandrite Vissarion stated that OCU representatives politicized the funeral service of a Ukrainian Armed Forces soldier, replacing words of comfort to the family with talk about the war.
On August 10, 2026, Archimandrite Vissarion (Chikal), rector of the parish of Venerable Paraskeva in Stari Broskovtsi, spoke about provocations by representatives of the OCU at the funeral of Hero of Ukraine Oleksandr Reus, an SPJ correspondent reports.
According to the archimandrite, after the memorial prayers were performed, OCU representatives devoted a significant portion of their sermon to political topics and the war, while the deceased's relatives were in need of spiritual support above all. "When a mother is in such immense pain, when her heart aches, when it is such a devastating blow to the soul — for she has lost her son — what comes from the mouths of OCU representatives is some kind of political propaganda," he stated. The archimandrite emphasized that a clergyman must "preach the Word of God, not engage in politics."
Father Vissarion also noted that, according to him, the sermon said almost nothing directly about Oleksandr Reus himself. "And that was it — only about the war, and not a word about the soldier himself, about his biography, his merits, or anything else that might have served as comfort to his mother, wife, and the whole family," the archimandrite said. Commenting on the political nature of the address, he added that such clergymen "should be handed not the Gospel, but some political book — perhaps the Constitution of Ukraine."
Archimandrite Vissarion also stated that during the funeral, accusations of a pro-Russian stance were directed at him and at believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. At the same time, he emphasized, the parish has repeatedly assisted Ukrainian servicemen. "There was money for a vehicle, funds for food and clothing. And we did this because we feel it is our duty — to help our soldiers," the rector said. "And it is very hurtful and grievous when you fulfill this sacred duty of yours, and yet you are called a 'Moskal,'" he added.
The archimandrite also separately raised the issue of the mobilization of UOC clergy. According to him, clergymen, deacons, and monastics are being detained by TCC representatives and sent to military service. "Our clergymen, deacons, and monastics are indeed being detained by the TCC and sent to war. And our clergymen are serving and fighting," he stated. At the same time, according to Father Vissarion, a contradiction arises: "While we are in the rear, we are called alleged accomplices of the Russian Federation, but when we are detained and sent to the front line, we suddenly become heroes."
Previously, SPJ reported that the TCC detained the protodeacon of Neshcherivsky Monastery.
