OCU rep: The main thing is the truth, not the number of people in temples
Festive "service" of the OCU on the Transfiguration feast day in the Refectory Church of the Lavra. Photo: UOJ
OCU spokesperson, Eustratiy Zoria reacted on Telegram to "another wave of MP-hype on the net", apparently referring to the publication of photos and videos of the empty Refectory Church, where "acting abbot of the OCU Lavra" Avraamiy Lotysh held a festive all-night vigil on the eve of the Transfiguration.
Zoria said that the desire for "masses" is one of the signs of the "Russian world", and his "Ukrainian Church" is devoid of such a flaw.
"When Christ was crucified, the crowd shouted 'Crucify'. When Christ was resurrected – only a few people were witnesses," Zoria said, drawing parallels with Lotysh's "service" at the empty Refectory Church.
"I remember in what poverty, in small houses communities of the Ukrainian Church gathered for services three decades ago. On tables under the closed doors of the temples, they prayed. And the MP looked down from the height of its "masses". But from a small flock, God raised a big Church. Instead, the MP continues to think in the categories of the masses and cannot get used to the fact that the main thing is the truth, not quantity. If there is the truth, sooner or later it will gather people," Zoria assured.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote how Bila Tserkva clerics, Zoria’s associates, broke down the doors of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC with sledgehammers, crowbars, a grinder and a chainsaw.
Read also
Canadian MP Calls for Ban on 'Hateful' Bible Verses
“There’s clear hatred towards, for example, homosexuals," said Liberal MP Marc Miller.
Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia
The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.
ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church
The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.
UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier
A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.
2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December
Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.
HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints
Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.