Secretary of Rivne Eparchy: All UOC communities in Rivne region preserved
The secretary of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi. Photo: Fr. Viktor's Facebook page
The UOC eparchies in the Rivne region (Rivne and Sarny eparchies) have preserved the communities of all the temples seized by OCU supporters, and these communities have premises for divine services, said the secretary of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC, Archpriest Viktor Zemlianyi, in an interview with the YouTube channel "Tetiana Tsaruk. In Search of Truth".
"Almost all the priests are in place,” noted Fr. Victor. “Somewhere for health reasons or because of a change of residence, rectors were changed, but all communities are active. This is a victory. Even there are churches taken away that we have returned. They are few – you can count them on the fingers of one hand - but this is the fact."
According to the priest, the raiders managed to seize relatively few churches in the Rivne region.
"Many churches, which according to documents were taken away, actually have been kept," added the eparchy’s secretary.
He expressed his belief that all the shrines taken away from the UOC would be returned.
"There will not be such a temple that would not return to the UOC. Whether it will be with us, whether we will see it with our own eyes, but we stand for it. Our Orthodox descendants will see it. It is impossible to defeat the Church," Father Viktor stressed.
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.