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
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Novinsky alleges widespread fabrication in cases against Ukrainian Orthodox clergy.
Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend
Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.
Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage
A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.
Albania Census Shows Muslims No Longer Majority
For the first time in centuries, Albania’s Muslim majority has slipped below half amid shifting religious trends.
Small Vermont Gathering Grows into Official Mission
A once-small home gathering in Vermont has grown into an official mission under St. Olga of Alaska’s protection.
Lenten Retreat Honors Legacy of Fr. Seraphim Rose
A packed Lenten retreat in San Francisco revisited the life and lasting spiritual influence of Fr. Seraphim Rose.