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
Nebraska Pilgrims Pray at Gravesite of 'Apostle to the Plains'
Fr. Nicola Yanney - considered a saint by many in the Midwest - was the first priest ordained by St. Raphael of Brooklyn and reposed in 1918 after ministering to those suffering from Spanish Flu.
Estonian Parliament Overrules President, Moves to Ban Orthodox Church
Committee Chairman Ando Kiviberg defended the bill, prioritizing national security over religious freedom, though no specific threat from the church was cited.
UOC Bishop Warns of 'God's Wrath' Over Forced Mobilizations
“War will pass," Met. Luke said. "But we must all live with its consequences. And our children, too."
Mel Gibson Begins Filming 'The Resurrection of the Christ'
Gibson has long described The Resurrection as the most significant project of his career, underscoring its personal and artistic importance.
God Created Our Universe, Claims Bulgarian Scientist - And Offers a Wager
Valentin Velchev offers a bottle of premium cognac to any scientist who can refute his scientific proof for the existence of God.
5th-Century Christian Church With Mosaic Found in Turkey
A newly uncovered inscription at the church entrance reads: “Only those on the righteous path may enter here.”