10 churches of Khmelnitsky Eparchy looted for three days

The Holy Intercession Cathedral in Khmelnitsky

From 12 to 14 March 2019, thieves burgled ten churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the Khmelnitsky Eparchy, the head of the Legal Department of the Eparchy, Archpriest Mikhail Varakhoba, told the UOJ.

In particular, in the afternoon of March 12, an icon was stolen at the Holy Intercession Cathedral. The police detained the perpetrator on hot pursuit, the icon was returned to the temple. The thieves also broke into the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral of Khmelnitsky, 4 Volochisk temples and the same number of temples in the Vinkovtsy district.

In particular, in Vinkovtsy district burglars acted throughout the last night. Locks were picked at once in two temples in the village of Zinkov - the Barbara Church and the Holy Ascension Church. Temples in the villages of Pirogovka and Stanislavovka also suffered from the hands of intruders. In the village of Adamovka, local residents prevented the robbers from entering the church.

“They cut locks, removed windowpanes, damaged church property in search of money that was not in the churches. Nothing else was missing,” said Archpriest Michael Varakhoba.

According to Father Michael, law enforcement officers went to the places of accidents, asked about the affiliation of churches, made protocols.

As the UOJ reported, three temples of the UOC were looted in Volyn overnight.

Read also

In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom

Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."

Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot

The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.

Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution

International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.

Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children

“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.

His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv

At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.

Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects

According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.