Fr. Vasily Balan about OCU: Betrayed and forgot their "spiritual father"
Filaret Denisenko and Epiphanius Dumenko. Photo: crimea.kp.ru
Archpriest Vasyl Balan, dean of the Murovani Kurylivtsi district of the Mohyliv-Podilskyi Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, shared his thoughts on the "Unification Council" of the schismatics, which divided the country, in his Facebook video message to the UOC faithful. The priest compared the behaviour of Sergei Dumenko and the OCU adherents to negligent children who disowned their parents immediately after those brought them up, gave them everything and helped them make their way in the world.
"They deceived and betrayed their 'spiritual father' who 'ordained' Epiphanius and other bishops – Filaret, the old man who led his so-called children to the top," Father Vasily said. “Who had known Epiphanius before? No one had heard of this man. How can you 'unite Ukraine' if you can't even unite among yourselves?"
According to the UOC priest, the "Unification Council” of the schismatics was only on paper, but in fact, it divided the entire country and Orthodoxy.
"Epiphanius constantly commemorates Russian Patriarch Kirill. And why don't you commemorate Filaret – your spiritual father, your mentor, who put you on your feet? You first unite among yourselves, and then call the council 'unification'," stressed Archpriest Vasily Balan.
The "Unification Council" took place on 15 December 2018. The Phanar initiated a meeting of two schismatic groups which chose the head, "Metropolitan" Epiphanius, who had been "ordained" by the defrocked and anathematised Filaret Denisenko and had never been canonically legitimately ordained.
As reported, Archpriest Vasyl Balan together with the UOC faithful defended the church in the village of Snytkiv, Vinnytsia region, from the raiders of 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.