Epiphany finds words of the anthem "to give soul for freedom" still true

Epiphany, head of the OCU, at the opening of the monument to poet Pavel Chubinsky. Photo: OCU page on Facebook

The phrase from the Ukrainian anthem "we will put our soul and body for our freedom" is still relevant because even today the struggle for independent Ukraine and autocephalous Ukrainian Church continues, said the head of the OCU Epiphany Dumenko at the opening of the monument to the poet and public figure Pavlo Chubinsky, which was held at the Knyshevsky memorial complex in Boryspil on June 26, 2020.

According to the press service of the OCU, during the event Epiphany noted that the words written by Pavel Chubinsky are relevant nowadays "because we say in them that we will put our soul and body for our freedom”.

"Unfortunately, so far, after many decades, many conscious Ukrainians must give their lives, protecting our territorial integrity, statehood and freedom. Therefore, paying tribute to our famous poet, we should remember all those who have been fighting for our independent Ukrainian state and autocephalous Ukrainian Orthodox Church," says the message of the OCU.

As reported earlier, the "Bishops' Council" of the UOC-KP condemned the activities of Epiphany and the "Holy Synod" of the OCU "for an attempt to destroy the UOC-Kyiv Patriarchate, which gave birth to both the Primate, Metropolitan Epiphany, and the entire episcopate of the OCU, without whom neither the OCU nor the Tomos of the so-called autocephaly could have been possible”.

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.