OCU rep: The main thing is the truth, not the number of people in temples

Festive "service" of the OCU on the Transfiguration feast day in the Refectory Church of the Lavra. Photo: UOJ

OCU spokesperson, Eustratiy Zoria reacted on Telegram to "another wave of MP-hype on the net", apparently referring to the publication of photos and videos of the empty Refectory Church, where "acting abbot of the OCU Lavra" Avraamiy Lotysh held a festive all-night vigil on the eve of the Transfiguration.

Zoria said that the desire for "masses" is one of the signs of the "Russian world", and his "Ukrainian Church" is devoid of such a flaw.

"When Christ was crucified, the crowd shouted 'Crucify'. When Christ was resurrected – only a few people were witnesses," Zoria said, drawing parallels with Lotysh's "service" at the empty Refectory Church.

"I remember in what poverty, in small houses communities of the Ukrainian Church gathered for services three decades ago. On tables under the closed doors of the temples, they prayed. And the MP looked down from the height of its "masses". But from a small flock, God raised a big Church. Instead, the MP continues to think in the categories of the masses and cannot get used to the fact that the main thing is the truth, not quantity. If there is the truth, sooner or later it will gather people," Zoria assured.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote how Bila Tserkva clerics, Zoria’s associates, broke down the doors of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC with sledgehammers, crowbars, a grinder and a chainsaw.

Read also

UOC Hierarch: The Church Does Not Endorse 'Holy War' Concept

"The assertion that the so-called 'special military operation' is a 'Holy War' contradicts the basic principles of Christian morality," Metr. Yevlohiy said.

Georgian Bishops Finalize Procedures for Patriarchal Election

Head of public relations for the Georgian Church says bishops finalized election procedures while emphasizing unity ahead of the patriarchal council.

SVS Press Releases New Volume by St. Maximus the Confessor

The publisher's new St. Maximus volume explores the theological foundations of Orthodox Christology and the defense of Chalcedon.

Abp. Daniel Announces Synodal Clergy Awards in Chicago Diocese

The Orthodox Church in America's Synodal awards recognized clergy across multiple ranks for dedicated service in the Midwestern diocese.

Registration Opens for First OCA-Wide Clergy Wives Retreat

The Orthodox Church in America’s first churchwide clergy wives retreat aims to strengthen ministry families through prayer, fellowship, and renewal.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Meets Ecumenical Patriarch in Athens

Kimberly Guilfoyle’s meeting with Patr. Bartholomew highlighted support for religious freedom and the global mission of the Orthodox Church.