Two provocations of OCU “priest” disrupted at once in Luka-Meleshkovskaya
"Clergyman" of the new church structure Viktor Chverkun. Photo: orthodox.vinnica.ua
Around 10 pm on October 27, 2019, 20-30 young people led by the cleric of the OCU Viktor Chverkun once again tried to seize the UOC church in the village of Luka-Meleshkovskaya, Vinnitsa Region. This was reported on the website of the Vinnitsa Eparchy of the canonical Church.
The OCU activists at first knocked on the temple door and later tried to break it open.
Law enforcement officers quickly arrived at the scene and recorded the offence.
The offenders could not explain to the police squad why they were in the churchyard at night time.
Then Chverkun said he had allegedly planned to hold “a meeting of the religious community of the OCU near the temple” at such a late hour.
After a while, he arrived at the village council to meet with the chairman of the United Territorial Community and the clergyman of the UOC. The cleric of the canonical Church arrived at the meeting alone, while his opponent brought along 15 followers of the OCU “to be able to convince” the clergyman of the UOC.
“However, even this apparently thought-out provocation was again unsuccessful,” the diocese’s website noted.
Earlier, the believers of Luka-Meleshkovskaya called on President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky to protect their temple from raiders.
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.