Parishioners not allowed to attend "meeting on transition" to OCU in Makariv
In Makariv, people who were "appointed by conscience" did not let parishioners into the meeting. Photo: Dozor
On February 18, 2024, in Makariv, Kiyiv region, former deputy Serhiy Vozny and activist Hryshachev, who organized "transitions" in Pilypovychi and Druzhnia villages on February 17, gathered at the cultural center for a "transition meeting" to the OCU of the Sts. Demetrius and Elias temples, according to Dozor.
Unknown people in military uniforms only let those with Makariv registration into the cultural center. Parishioners who attend the Sts. Demetrius and Elias temples from neighboring villages were not allowed into the "meeting".
When asked who authorized these people to check passports and not let parishioners into the state institution, a person in camouflage replied that his "conscience as a patriot of Ukraine" appointed him.
In the end, only about 40 people from two religious communities were able to get inside. Even the priests were not allowed in. All other members of the community remained outside, where they held their meeting and decided to stay in the UOC.
The priest of the St. Elias community, Father Andriy Yarosh, reminded that according to the charter of the church community, only the priest convenes its meeting.
"I testify before everyone – I did not convene this meeting, which is taking place in the cultural center, and I have never seen the people inside the center come to church," the priest said.
Earlier, the UOJ wrote that raiders of the OCU failed to organize a "transition meeting" in the village of Druzhnia.
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.