Dumenko promises a “real church” in Pochaiv Lavra

Head of the OCU Epifaniy Dumenko. Photo: apnews.com

The head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, promised that the Pochaiv Lavra would belong to "a true, autocephalous and independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church." He said this during his visit to Ternopil, Suspilne reports.

"It is a matter of time. We are still at the stage of dealing with relevant legal documents, and then we will claim our presence in this all-Ukrainian shrine,” Dumenko said.

He noted that the Verkhovna Rada should adopt a law banning the UOC in order to "accelerate the transition of priests and parishioners to the OCU."

Dumenko also believes that after outlawing the UOC, the priests of the Church who “want to serve God and the Ukrainian people” should move to the OCU.

“Whoever unwilling will be renamed into the Russian Orthodox Church, so as not to deceive Orthodox Ukrainians,” added the head of the OCU.

As reported by the UOJ, Dumenko said that the OCU must first gain a foothold in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, after which it will target the Pochaiv Lavra.

Read also

Massive Wildfire in Greece Reaches Shrine of St. Markella

Blaze threatens monastery and nearby facilities as firefighting efforts continue.

UOC Clergy Illegally Detained by Ukrainian Recruitment Officers

Faithful call for prayers as two Chernivtsi-Bukovina clerics moved across country.

Albanian Primate Discusses Situation in Ukraine with Head of ROC DECR

Archbishop John receives Russian Orthodox delegation in Tirana.

St. Sava Black Tie Gala Scheduled for November 8

The event will be held at the St. Regis Chicago and will suppport the mission of St. Sava Academy.

St. Paul's in Dayton, to Host 4th Annual Liturgical Music Workshop

This two-day event welcomes church musicians, choir directors, chanters, and Orthodox music enthusiasts for fellowship, prayer, and skill-building in liturgical music.

Pat. of Alexandria Speaks of Egyptian President's 'Love and Concern' for Orthodox Church

In an interview conducted by the Prime Minister's office, Theodore II said of Abdel Fattah El-Sisi: “The President’s love and concern for the Greek Orthodox Church in Egypt are a precious treasure for all of us."