OCU "priest" from Pereyaslav complains that raided UOC church stands empty
An OCU cleric with the nickname Vidmak (Witcher). Photo: spzh.news
An OCU chaplain from Transcarpathia named Vidmak (Witcher), who also calls himself "hieromonk" Sofroniy, complained that no believers come to the church he took away from the UOC.
In the Facebook group "Holy Trinity Church, OCU, Misto Pereyaslav" Vidmak wrote that "our Holy Trinity parish is independent from anyone", and "there are almost no native Pereyaslavites in the temple".
He complained that there are "no sponsors even to preserve this unique historical building".
"Yes, I'm an appointed rector for this parish, which I got from the UOC-MP the hard way, but without you, Pereyaslavites. Why so?" the OCU representative wonders.
He notes with regret that he is "not eternal and immortal like the Muscal priests", and writes that "all the same, both the temple and everything else will remain in Pereyaslav, for you, my dears".
"But your passivity simply kills... both in terms of spirituality and being Ukrainians, uncompromising. There's no need to be afraid of being free within oneself and ensuring that everyone's life is comfortable," continues Vidmak. While recalling the war, he notes that "many are 'wait-and-see' and hesitant in their choice."
As earlier reported, on 8 June 2023, OCU "hieromonk" Sorofniy with the nickname Vidmak (Witcher) took control of the Trinity Church of the UOC in Pereyaslav, Kyiv region.
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.