UOC makes a statement on Lukyanik's provocative actions
His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. Photo: news.church.ua
On January 28, 2021, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine sent a letter to the heads of vicariates, governors and abbots of monasteries, rectors of churches of the Kyiv Diocese, explaining the provocative and political actions of Valentin Lukyanik and the so-called "All-Ukrainian Orthodox Brotherhood of the Holy Archangel of God" held in Kyiv.
In a letter on behalf of the Primate of the UOC, published on the Facebook page of the secretary of the Synodal Liturgical Commission, Archpriest Dimitry Garchuk, it is reported that Lukyanik and Brotherhood tried to pass off their actions as the UOC events. "In this regard, we remind you that V. Lukyanik and the All-Ukrainian Orthodox Brotherhood have nothing to do with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and do not have our blessing for their activities."
His Beatitude states with regret that "Lukyanik's behavior testifies that he is a provocateur and a swindler who misleads believers."
As the UOJ reported, unidentified persons burned an effigy of Patriarch Bartholomew on Sophia Square.
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.