Processionists heading to Pochaiv "dispersed" by the police and SBU
Cross procession from Brailiv in 2017. Photo: UOJ
A little more than a dozen believers of the UOC, who would go on a traditional pilgrimage from Brailiv to Pochaiv at this time of the year, decided to walk to the shrine in a cross procession on their own. However, the security forces did not allow them to do this, the UOJ correspondent reported.
The pilgrims left on August 17 and were forced to walk bypassing country roads, as police patrols were on duty in the settlements in which this procession usually takes place.
Nevertheless, as the pilgrims told the UOJ, in one of the fields in the Vinnytsia region, they were spotted and stopped by the police. The police called the SBU officers. According to eyewitnesses, a member of the Security Service was very rude to the women, shouting that they were going "to the Moscow priest". He copied the personal data of the people and warned that if they did not return home and were "caught" again, then "big problems" would await them.
The pilgrims were forced to turn back.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that Yelensky promised to ensure a “proper” Hasidic pilgrimage to Uman.
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.