UGCC and OCU stage provocation in UOC temple at AFU soldier’s funeral
A funeral of fallen AFU soldier Mykhailo Sharpyl in the village of Vidniv. Photo: Kulykivka Village Council
Clergy and supporters of the OCU and UGCC in the village of Vidniv, Lviv region, provoked a conflict at the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos (UOC) during the funeral of a fallen AFU soldier, reports the Telegram channel kozakTv1.
The Orthodox community's church has been sealed for a long time due to attempts to take it away from believers. A legal process is ongoing.
"On October 14, a funeral of the fallen soldier took place in the village. Apparently, his family decided that OCU clergy should conduct the funeral service. For this reason, the church was opened. Unfortunately, local activists from the OCU and UGCC decided to use the soldier's funeral for scandal and provocation," the channel reports.
According to the message, OCU clergy demanded that the church's priest and parishioners open the Royal Doors to the altar and then attempted to approach the altar. In doing so, they actively incited hatred against Orthodox Christians and provoked people.
"It is obvious that neither the priest nor the parishioners could allow representatives of other denominations into the Holy of Holies of the church. And they knew this perfectly well. But they deliberately initiated the conflict, which was used to stir up hatred against UOC believers and clergy," the journalists added.
As reported by the UOJ, the head of the Lviv State Administration threatens to sue the remaining parishes of the UOC.
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.