The Church in Ptycha is ALIVE!

"The church, which has been in the siege and in anticipation of worship and the faithful who will pray in it for two years, is alive; it is filled with incredible grace, aromas and care of it", shares her impressions of the unique opportunity to go inside the Holy Assumption Church in the village of Ptycha, Dubno district, Rivne region, journalist Valentina Illina.

I was invited to a regular weekly trip to the long-suffering Ptycha village, Dubno district, Rivne region, by Archpriest Basil Nachev, the head of the Social Department of the Rivne diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who said that the support of the journalist for people who have been suffering from violent attacks by local media for more than two years will be useful as well as communication with the priest. I eagerly accepted Father Basil’s proposal, as this is not the first time I have had an opportunity to meet those who steadfastly defends Orthodoxy under fierce persecution. Ptycha believers, I will tell you, are absolutely extraordinary, friendly and very hospitable people. So I was looking forward to the planned encounter.

In the evening the believers started gathering in the yard of the senior priest Nicolai Sysoniuk. They looked tired because it is no easy matter and a personal challenge to combine spring field work and daily watch in the church. Women feel concerned that since the field work began, no one feels like doing a night shift in the church, as villagers want to relax after hard work at home. Even "KP"s – this is how those who split the religious community are called here – neglected their duty because of urgent spring work. They can occasionally be seen in the church territory. Men say that to change the people in the church is not so problematic now since the opponents do not stand in the way. They say that day everyone could freely enter the church but only uncle Ivan stayed for the night.

Realizing that I had a unique opportunity to see the church I had heard so much about but never been inside, I asked for permission to enter. We called uncle Ivan, who unlocked the damaged doors of the Holy Assumption Church from the inside. And then ... My companion on this journey, Father Basil, and I took my breath away. The church smelt fresh scented flowers. All around was neat and tidy. The icons and the nave were carefully dressed in white lace. Easter mood was felt in every corner. The church, which has been in the siege and in anticipation of worship and the faithful who will pray in it for two years, is alive; it is filled with incredible grace, aromas and care of it. I was so impressed that I felt like crying. Uncle Ivan, who also couldn’t hold back his tears, said that Ptycha believers are already tired of living in the state of constant uncertainty, that it is unfair to keep the shrine under siege and forbid to pray for those who desire it with all their heart.

I left the church with a smile on my lips. I felt like hugging all the faithful who were waiting for me at the walls of the church, and the priest. I just wanted to say: people like you are beautiful!!! How tireless and caring you are!!!

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