"Hierarch" of OCU Mikhail Zinkevich holds a "service" in patriarchal mantle
"Hierarch" of the OCU Mikhail Zinkevich in the patriarchal mantle. Photo: OCU
Mikhail Zinkevich, “bishop” of the OCU, appeared before the flock at the last “divine service” on the feast of Trinity in a green mantle, which, in the tradition of the Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian Churches, is worn exclusively by patriarchs. The corresponding photos are posted on the Facebook page of the Volyn Diocese of the OCU.
The mantle, in which Zinkevich appeared, exactly repeats the vestments of Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Kirill and Patriarch of the Bulgarian Church Neophytos – a green cloth on which there are two white and one red stripes.
While the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church wears a cockle, the Bulgarian Primate wears a white hood. That is, the vestments Zinkevich was wearing is completely identical to those of the Patriarch of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church.
Earlier, Protodeacon Andrei Kuraev said that during the "Unification Council" of the OCU, Filaret Denisenko announced an ultimatum: either "metropolitan" Mikhail would withdraw his candidacy from the vote or the head of the UOC-KP would not sign a decree on the dissolution of the Kyiv Patriarchate.
Later, Mikhail Zinkevich announced that Andrei Parubiy and Petro Poroshenko forced him to withdraw his candidacy at the "council", but he did not give up his desire to head the OCU.
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.