UOC believers of Bortnychi pray outside church fence on their feast day
The UOC Intercession parish at the Liturgy on their feast day. Photo: news.church.ua
On October 14, 2023, on the feast day of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, the community of the seized UOC Intercession Church in the Bortnychi district of Kyiv prayed behind the church fence, reports the UOC Information and Educational Department.
The Divine Liturgy was led by the church's rector, Archpriest Oleksiy Hodun. He was concelebrated by the clergy of the parish and visiting priests.
During the service, the participants offered fervent prayers for peace and deliverance from the enemy, the Ukrainian people, authorities, and the military, as well as for those affected by the war and those who assist them.
The report notes that the supporters of the OCU who seized the church do not conduct any "services" there themselves, and even on the feast day, the church was empty.
As previously reported, the authorities illegally re-registered the UOC Intercession parish in Bortnychi to the OCU based on the "decision" of a raiders' meeting organized by OCU "priest" Vitaliy Matiyashchuk. On September 5, 2023, a group of raiders, led by Matiyashchuk, cut down the locks and seized the church.
Read also
Rep. Bacon: 'I Don't Think the UOC Takes Orders from Russia'
Earlier this week, the congressman rejected an opportunity for dialogue with members of the Society of St. John who visited his office despite them holding the same viewpoint.
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.