The Uniate who seized the temple appears a notorious fighter with “Jews” and “Muscovites”
It appeared to beMikhail Arsenich, rector of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos of the UGCC in the village of Mateevtsi, Kolomyia District. Arsenich became famous for his "passionate speech to the flock", which appeared on Youtube in December 2013, at the height of Maidan events.
"Only the attentat (terrorist act, murder of high-ranking individuals – ed.) can be the choice by the fight," the priest said in it. "There can be no other conversation with the enemy than strength." With the enemy there can be no other conversation, except talking bullets and gun shots. <...> Our wood rustles with ropes, on which the Communists will hang. Our forest is ringing, every heart is calling: "Rise!" Every heart is calling: "Take up arms and lose fear!". <...> We want to make sure that tomorrow neither the Chinese, nor the Negro, nor the Jew, nor the Muscovite will come to take over my house."
Later it turned out that this speech was written not on Maidan, but in Kolomyia in 2010, near the monument to Stepan Bandera. In this speech Arsenich addressed the UPA soldiers.
On December 13, 2013, the administration of the Kolomyia-Chernivtsi Eparchy of the UGCC stated that this speech contradicted the mission of the priest. Arsenich was demanded repentance. "If father Mikhail Arsenitchs repeat something like this, then we will be compelled to act according to the CECC (Code of Eastern Church Canons - Ed.) to protect the truth and the holy Church," the diocese said in its statement.
Arsenich made apologies before all those who consider themselves insulted by his speech, and promised to pray for them.
Uniates and “Black Hundred” militants attempt to seize UOC church in Kolomyia at Trinity, on 4 June 2017. Right radicals from the “Black Hundred” group assisted them in this case. The situation in Kolomyia remains tense.
Read also
Conflict Breaks Out After OCU Forcibly Enters UOC Church in Kuzmin
Tensions flared in Kuzmin after OCU representatives forcibly entered a UOC church amid an ongoing jurisdictional dispute.
Bulgarian Antarctic Base Receives Icons of Virgin and Child, St. Demetrios
Bulgarian Antarctic researchers installed icons of the Virgin and Child and St. Demetrios in their new base lab as spiritual guardians.
Russian Shelling Severely Damages Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson
Russian shelling on February 7 severely damaged Kherson’s Holy Spirit Cathedral, including its chapel, bell tower, and administrative buildings.
Super Bowl Ad Promotes Adoption as Life-Affirming Choice
A Super Bowl ad from Live Action spotlights adoption as a compassionate third option for women facing unexpected pregnancies.
St. Photios National Shrine Marks Annual Feast Day in Florida
Clergy and faithful gathered in St. Augustine to honor St. Photios with worship, remembrance, and renewed support for the National Shrine.
Bishop-elect Michael Crowley Tonsured at Jordanville
Bishop-elect Michael Crowley was tonsured a monk at Jordanville ahead of his upcoming episcopal consecration.