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
Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations
Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.
New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania
"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"
Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt
A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.
Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests
Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.
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.