People in hats plant "Ukrainian religion" in seized temple in Ladyzhyn
Planters of the "Ukrainian faith" in the seized church of the UOC in Ladyzhyn. Photo: UOJ
On 10 January 2023, when the rector of the Kazan Church in Ladyzhyn, Fr Yevheny Vorobyov, entered his raided temple, he found inside a group of people unknown to him wearing hats and balaclavas. One of them told the priest that he was "provoking" them and should go out. The video of the conversation was published by Kozak1.
Fr Yevheny pointed out to the raiders that they were not members of the religious community and had no reason to be in the temple. When he asked the police officers there why the raiders were still inside, they could not answer.
The men in hats told the priest that they had come to the temple to bring "their Ukrainian religion". When asked by the priest whether the meaning of the Lord's Prayer changes if it is recited in Ukrainian instead of Church Slavonic, the activists answered in the affirmative.
"The Ukrainian land, the Ukrainian religion. These are the roots, on which the nation is formed. Ukrainian faith," the activist stated.
"Is there such a thing as Ukrainian faith?" the priest inquired.
The activist answered in the affirmative: "Well, Ukraine, the Ukrainian language, the Ukrainian faith, the Ukrainian Church."
As reported, during the seizure of the Kazan Church in Ladyzhyn, its rector was brutally beaten. One of the raiders told the UOC parishioners: “I do not believe in your gods."
Read also
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.
UOC Priest Spared from Forced Conscription After Dramatic Intervention
Unlike other denominations, UOC clergy lack official exemptions, fueling accusations of targeted persecution amid ongoing war.
Sen. Grassley Dismisses Persecution of UOC as Russian Propaganda
The comments were made in response to the pan-Orthodox summit held yesterday at the U.S. Capitol.
Women and Girls at Risk in UK Sports Centres, Report Finds
A report reveals that mixed-sex changing rooms in UK sports centres are putting women and girls at serious risk of sexual assault and voyeurism, prompting calls for single-sex facilities.