Ex-metropolitan Simeon appears in the Panagia presented by Patriarch Kirill

Ex-Metropolitan Simeon (Shostatsky) with a gift from Patriarch Kirill. Photo: Facebook

Metropolitan Simeon (Shostatsky), currently a “hierarch” of the OCU, banned from the priesthood on July 25, 2019, appeared before his parishioners at the “divine service” dedicated to the celebration of the 1031th anniversary of the Baptism of Rus in Vinnitsa Cathedral wearing the panagia presented to him by Patriarch Kirill. The corresponding photo was posted on his Facebook page by another metropolitan, banned from the priesthood, Alexander (Drabinko).

On that day, the “hierarchs” of the OCU served a moleben service, after which they held a ceremony of raising the national Ukrainian flag near the Cathedral.

The panagia itself, which the ex-Metropolitan Simeon received in Moscow as a gift from the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, had been made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Holy Council and the restoration of the patriarchate in the Russian Orthodox Church.

The UOJ possesses a photograph of the reverse side of the panagia.

The reverse side of the Panagia, presented to the ex-Metropolitan Simeon (Shostatsky)

Recall, the former ruling hierarch of the Vinnitsa Eparchy of the UOC Simeon (Shostatsky) called for the protection of the Cathedral in Vinnitsa from the ideology of the “Russian world” and named the members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church a devil's weapon.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.