Rector of UOC temple beaten and kidnapped in Zhytomyr diocese
On March 16, 2022, in the village of Ivanivka, Zhytomyr diocese, unidentified persons took Archimandrite Lavr (Berezovsky), rector of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Life-Giving Spring" in an unknown direction. This was announced by priest Igor Kucheruk on his Facebook page. “Two days ago in the Zhytomyr region, they seized Archimandrite Lavr (Berezovsky), rector of the church of the Icon of the Mother of God in Ivanivka village, Zhytomyr District Deanery, broke his nose, calling him a Moscow saboteur-priest, and dragged him into the forest,” Fr. Igor wrote. “No one else saw him. He is a true shepherd, a man of prayer, a confessor....”
In the Zhytomyr diocese, the UOJ confirmed this information and reported that they had filed a statement with the police about the abduction of the rector by unknown persons. An investigation is underway.
As the UOJ wrote, armed people kidnapped a priest of the UOC in the 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.