Uniate priest hated for words on reconciliation of Ukrainians and Russians
Roman Kurakh says that Ukrainians and Russians are fraternal peoples. Photo: Facebook Sipigina
A scandal arose in Ukraine because of the sermon of the Uzhhorod Uniate priest Roman Kurakh, in which he stated the need for reconciliation between Ukrainians and Russians.
“And we very much ask the Lord to do this miracle: to reconcile these two great peoples – Ukraine and Russia. So that these two beautiful peoples do not collide, do not torture, destroy, and kill each other, Instead, they should build the Kingdom of Heaven already here on earth so that one day, they could enter heaven together, embrace each other and glorify the Lord for all eternity for many and good years,” said the priest.
The recording of the sermon was posted on Facebook by activist, journalist and “producer at BBC News” Daria Sipigina, after which the video was distributed by Ukrainian Telegram channels with millions of audiences.
Sipigina heard the priest's sermon through the loudspeakers in front of the Exaltation of the Cross Cathedral in Uzhhorod, went into the altar with two companions and made a scandal for Kurakh. She also posted a recording of the conversation in the publication.
“You said that Ukrainians and Russians are fraternal peoples, and you are raising your voice at me,” Sipigina says.
“Yes, I am. Because you break into the altar when I am praying and don’t let me take the Holy (Communion – Ed),” the priest replied and added that his brother is fighting in the airborne troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
"Do you bless our enemies?" Sipigina asked being indignant.
“I bless, and it was Jesus who said it, not me,” the priest replied and asked what she would like him to say.
“I would like you not to say that,” the activist replied.
Priest Roman Kurakh belongs to the Mukachevo Greek Catholic diocese, which is not part of the UGCC structure being accountable not to the UGCC leader Shevchuk but directly to the Holy See.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the Net showed women walking through the altar in a UGCC church.
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.