Parishioners defend Archbishop Varsonofy from attack of OCU cleric
In the village of Makhnovka, the “priest” Viktor Bodnar attempted to attack Vladyka
On April 10, after the Divine Liturgy in the temple of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, Archbishop Varsonofy of Vinnitsa and Bar visited parishes in the villages of Gurovtsy and Makhnovka of the Kazatin district, Vinnitsa region, where believers of the canonical Church are deprived of the opportunity to hold services in their own temples.
In Gurovtsy, OCU activists locked and sealed the temple back in January. According to the press service of the Vinnitsa Eparchy, the believers of the village warmly greeted the archpastor with the accompanying clergy and took part in a prayer service held by the ruling bishop at the worship cross in the churchyard.
In Makhnovka, the atmosphere was far from being so calm. The local church was transferred to the OCU on the initiative of the former UOC priest Viktor Bodnar, who was subsequently banned from priesthood for falling into schism.
Supporters of the new church structure in Makhnovka greeted the archpastor with shouts and noise. The activists in a harsh manner tried to hinder the service. After a brief conversation with the OCU adherents, Archbishop Varsonofy began to serve a prayer, during which the “priest” Viktor Bodnar attempted to attack the bishop. He was stopped by believers who defended the archbishop and did not allow further provocations.
Archbishop Varsonofy of Vinnitsa and Bar reported the attack to the enforcement agencies.
As the UOJ reported, on the eve of the Annunciation Day, UOC believers defended their church in the village of Voronovitsa, Vinnitsa region.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.