In Pereniatyn, Archbishop Pimen prays with persecuted UOC community

Archbishop Pimen. Photo: Rivne Eparchy

On December 15, 2024, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast day of the Prophet Habakkuk, Archbishop Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh celebrated the Divine Liturgy in an improvised prayer space in the village of Pereniatyn, part of the Radiviliv Deanery. This was reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.

After their church was seized, the local community has continued to gather for prayer in a repurposed house, maintaining their faith and spiritual life.

During the service, the archbishop awarded the parish priest, Archpriest Vladyslav Basiuk, with a decorated cross, recognizing his steadfastness and loyalty to the Church, especially during the occupation in Kherson region.

In his sermon, the archbishop emphasized, "Some choose the cross, while others choose bread. You have chosen the bread that leads to the Kingdom of God," and urged the community to continue in prayer, unity, and unwavering faith.

As previously reported by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy, a Liturgy was celebrated in Dovhoshyya in a newly built UOC church, replacing the one that had been seized by the OCU.

Read also