Dumenko awards Ivano-Frankivsk mayor with "for services to the OCU" order
Mayor of Ivano-Frankivsk Ruslan Martsynkiv said on his Facebook page that the head of the OCU, Epifaniy Dumenko, awarded him the Order of St. Michael the Archangel, II degree. He received the award "for services to the OCU and the pious people."
Martsynkiv thanked the schismatics and expressed confidence that the OCU "will be established in all regions and cities of our country."
Earlier, the Ivano-Frankivsk mayor stated that as a result of his activities in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, only one UOC community remained, and promised to close it by the end of the year.
Faithful of the UOC complained about Ruslan Martsynkiv. They asked President Volodymyr Zelensky to intervene in the mayor's policy towards the canonical Church: “The actions of Mayor Ruslan Martsynkiv are interference in the internal affairs of the religious community. This is contrary to both the European Convention on Human Rights and Art. 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, according to which, "The Church and religious organizations in Ukraine are separated from the state," believers of the UOC emphasized.
As the UOJ reported, on June 25, 2022, by his single-handed decision, Martsynkiv “transferred” to the OCU the only UOC church in Ivano-Frankivsk, the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ, whose community, however, denied his words and confirmed the loyalty of the UOC.
Read also
Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training
Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.
Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again
A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.
OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience
More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.
Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors
The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.
Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies
ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.
Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says
Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.