Rivne deputies kick out UOC community from regional hospital

The rector of the Rivne church with the parishioners’ children. Photo: Fr. Oleg Kochubey’s Facebook

On 23 June 2023, the Rivne Regional Council decided to instruct the regional hospital to terminate the lease agreement with the UOC Amphilochius of Pochaiv community through legal proceedings," Fr Vasyl Nachev reported on Facebook.

The priest called this decision political because, according to him, "there has been no legal reason to terminate the contract". According to him, "Rivne region people's deputies obviously want the sick people who are being treated in the Rivne regional hospital to pray outside in the heat and cold! They deprived the sick of prayer and the right to practice their religion while on their sickbed!!!"

Fr Vasyl also reported that the deputies were not even willing to listen to the rector of the church, Fr. Oleg Kochubey. "Yet another proof of disregard for the people!!! To the same military men, to the temple sexton who is at war, and to the mothers whose children are at war. Why do you divide people!?", the priest wrote.

As reported, the UOC community in Rivne was evicted from the church on the territory of the tuberculosis clinic.

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