In Zaporizhzhia Eparchy, UOC temple may be confiscated over debts
The UOC temple of the UOC Zaporizhzhia Eparchy. Photo: Zaporizhzhia Eparchy of the UOC
The Church of the Icon of the Mother of God "Derzhavnaya" of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church is facing the threat of seizure due to a debt that the community has nearly fully repaid, reports the Zaporizhzhia Eparchy. According to parishioners, over 70% of the faithful have lost the ability to financially support the church due to the current situation.
"Those trying to take away our church – haters of Christ – have decided to profit from the property of the Church and seize the church to pocket the proceeds by selling it at auction," stated the press service.
Representatives of the UOC community claim that the company "POSITIV", which was responsible for utility services, failed to meet its obligations. Parishioners regularly carried out part of the work themselves, and repairs on the church grounds were also made at the community's expense. Despite this, the church faces claims, and both the executive and judicial systems have ignored the community's appeals and requests.
"We have practically paid off all the debts, but the company that was supposed to provide services did nothing over the years," representatives of the church stated.
The private executor handling the case has refused to communicate or answer calls. The church's parishioners are asking for prayers for help in resolving the issue and are calling for all parties involved in the conflict to be admonished.
As reported by the UOJ, the court previously upheld the decision of the Zaporizhzhia City Council to break with the UOC.
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.