In Sadiv stone laid for construction of temple to replace seized one by OCU

Bp Athanasius performed the ceremony of laying the foundation stone for a new church of the UOC in the village of Sadiv. Photo: pravoslavna.volyn.ua

On November 27, 2021, the vicar bishop of the Volyn Eparchy, Bishop Athanasius of Kamin-Kashirsky, performed the rite of laying the stone for the construction of a church in honour of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the village of Sadiv, Volyn region, reports the press service of the Volyn Eparchy.

Bishop Athanasius was concelebrated by Archimandrite Theophan (Kiriliuk), Dean of the Bilostok district and parish rector, Archpriest Vladimir Meles, as well as priests from neighbouring villages.

Bishop Athanasius consecrated the cross, the cornerstone, the foundation for the future temple and laid a commemorative capsule.

In conclusion, the vicar of the Volyn Eparchy wished the rector of the community and parishioners help in their further work.

As reported, raiders from the OCU seized the UOC temple in Sadiv on February 2, 2019. Since then, the family of the rector, Archpriest Vladimir Meles, has been regularly attacked by supporters of the OCU, who are forcing him to move out of the church house. At various times, the 16-year-old son of a clergyman and a minor grandson suffered from their actions. A criminal case was initiated on the fact of the threats.

Earlier, the court ordered the police to investigate the theft committed by the OCU activists in Sadiv.

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