Rooting them up: OCU explains why UOC churches are seized

The head of the OCU and Mykhailo Zubkovich. Photo: facebook.com/matviy.dmitro

The “priest” of the OCU, Mykhailo Zubkovich, awarded by Epiphany, expressed his indignation on his Facebook page by the protests of the UOC believers against the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew and said that real Ukrainians should not “tolerate Russian proteges in Ukrainian thrones or Ukrainian traitors in parishes”, but “root them up so that there is not even their spirit in the Holy Ukrainian land." This is exactly how, according to Zubkovich, one can respond to those who are indignant at the seizure of their temples.

He turned to the believers of the UOC and urged them to "come to their senses".

“You reproach that people are taking away your temples, but did you build them?” asks the "priest". The last temple in the Crimea, which was built by the Ukrainians, was taken away. So why should people tolerate Russian henchmen in Ukrainian thrones or traitorous Ukrainians in parishes?"

According to him, “the ROC in Ukraine is like weeds in the Ukrainian field amid the blossom that needs to be rooted up, so that there would be not even their spirit in the Holy Ukrainian land. Ukraine and our people have everything: language, their Holy Church, Ukrainian customs and traditions, but you do not let all this germinate." Zubkovich proved these words referring to the fact that there no chaplains of the UOC in the Ukrainian army (in fact, they are not allowed there by the authorities – Ed.).

Zubkovich stressed that believers of the UOC should not protest against the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Ukraine either and was indignant at why the SBU and the relevant state bodies are still silent on this matter.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that less than 1% of the parishes of the UOC voluntarily transferred to the OCU.

Read also

Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident

Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.

Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose

The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.

Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama

Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.

Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges

Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.

Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises

Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.

Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU

Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.