Rooting them up: OCU explains why UOC churches are seized

The head of the OCU and Mykhailo Zubkovich. Photo: facebook.com/matviy.dmitro

The head of the OCU and Mykhailo Zubkovich. Photo: facebook.com/matviy.dmitro

The “priest” of the OCU, Mykhailo Zubkovich, awarded by Epiphany, expressed his indignation on his Facebook page by the protests of the UOC believers against the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew and said that real Ukrainians should not “tolerate Russian proteges in Ukrainian thrones or Ukrainian traitors in parishes”, but “root them up so that there is not even their spirit in the Holy Ukrainian land." This is exactly how, according to Zubkovich, one can respond to those who are indignant at the seizure of their temples.

He turned to the believers of the UOC and urged them to "come to their senses".

“You reproach that people are taking away your temples, but did you build them?” asks the "priest". The last temple in the Crimea, which was built by the Ukrainians, was taken away. So why should people tolerate Russian henchmen in Ukrainian thrones or traitorous Ukrainians in parishes?"

According to him, “the ROC in Ukraine is like weeds in the Ukrainian field amid the blossom that needs to be rooted up, so that there would be not even their spirit in the Holy Ukrainian land. Ukraine and our people have everything: language, their Holy Church, Ukrainian customs and traditions, but you do not let all this germinate." Zubkovich proved these words referring to the fact that there no chaplains of the UOC in the Ukrainian army (in fact, they are not allowed there by the authorities – Ed.).

Zubkovich stressed that believers of the UOC should not protest against the arrival of Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Ukraine either and was indignant at why the SBU and the relevant state bodies are still silent on this matter.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that less than 1% of the parishes of the UOC voluntarily transferred to the OCU.

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.