AFU soldier: 70% of my battalion are UOC members
Ivan Valevsky, an AFU soldier. Photo: a video screenshot of the Telegram channel "Dozor on ‘1Kozak’”
A wounded Ukrainian military man, Ivan Valevsky, came to Teofipol, Khmelnytskyi region, to support the community of the Church of St John of Kronstadt, which activists have illegally "transferred" to the OCU against the will of the parishioners. The soldier’s appeal was published on the Telegram channel "Dozor on ‘1Kozak’”.
The military man urged the UOC believers to remain faithful to their faith and not to defect to the OCU, where "the state wants to drive Ukrainians".
"I am a parishioner of the UOC, fighting since 2014. Now I am wounded, I am in the ranks of the AFU. I came to support Fr. Sergiy so that people do not go to the OCU, which I consider a non-canonical and not real Church. <...> What I am fighting for at the moment I don't understand myself. Although I understand that I said I was fighting for Ukraine, for its freedom, and its honour. But to take away the faith is not only ungodly, it is not human," he said.
Read also
Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident
Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.
Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose
The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.
Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama
Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.
Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges
Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.
Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises
Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.
Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU
Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.