Dumenko brings to Lavra the body of a Russian monk “canonized” by Filaret
Image of the abbot of the Russian Orthodox Church Merkury (Matvienko) “canonized” by Filaret. Photo: OCU's Facebook page
On October 22, 2023, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) celebrated the anniversary of the "discovery" of the body of Archimandrite Merkury (Matvienko), who was previously the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, and his "canonization" by Filaret Denisenko. On this occasion, Serhiy Dumenko led a "service" in the Assumption Cathedral of the Lavra, as reported by the press service of the OCU.
Archimandrite Merkury (Matvienko) served as the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra until 1926. Following the Bolshevik seizure of the Lavra, he moved to his homeland in the Chernihiv region, where he managed to establish the Trinity Church (later seized by the UOC-KP). In 1949, he was awarded a commendation by Patriarch Alexy I of the Russian Orthodox Church. In the early 1950s, he was consecrated as an hegumen. Archimandrite Merkury passed away in 1956.
In October 2011, representatives of the UOC-KP secretly exhumed the body of Archimandrite Merkury. This was done without permission, and even without the knowledge of the Bryhyntsi village vouncil. This was stated in the village council in 2016 in response to an official request from the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
“The decision of the Bryhyntsi village council regarding the exhumation and reburial of the body of Fr. Merkury (Maxim Moiseyovych Matvienko ) was not accepted in 2011. Exhumation and reburial of Fr. Merkury occurred in October 2011 without permits from the village council,” says the document signed by the village head N. Kalyuzhna.
It'll be recalled that parishioners for the “service” of the OCU were brought to the Lavra from the regions.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that in Vaslovivtsi, the “hierarch” of the OCU broke into the seized church through the parishioners of the UOC.
Read also
SBU Accuses Met. Onuphry of Opposing 'Canonical Independence'
Ukrainian security service alleges support for Russian Orthodox Church and Pat. Kirill while opposing the receipt of "canonical" autocephaly.
Antiochian Clergy of the Midwest Gather for Annual Synaxis in Indiana
Diocese of Toledo and the Midwest clergy shared prayer, learning, and fellowship during a four-day retreat focused on pastoral well-being and brotherhood.
Met. Gregory Calls Faithful to Intensified Prayer and Repentance During Nativity Fast
In a pastoral letter, the ACROD hierarch urges clergy and laity to cry out “Lord, save me!” amid global turmoil and personal struggle, renewing his call for nightly family prayers for peace.
OCA Releases Updated Clergy Demographics and Vocations Outlook
New data shows a balanced clergy age profile and steady seminary enrollment, suggesting the Orthodox Church in America is well-positioned to meet pastoral needs amid continuing parish growth. However, certain numbers raise questions.
Abp. Elpidophoros Granted American Citizenship
His Eminence came to the U.S. six years ago after his election as Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
Met. Saba: 'The Century of Evangelization Has Begun' for Orthodoxy in America
In an address to the Assembly of Bishops, Met. Saba reflected on the historic shift from an immigrant Church to an evangelizing one, urging renewed pastoral formation, spiritual depth, and gratitude for a “moment of grace.”