Six UOC clerics banned from priesthood for falling into schism

By decree of Metropolitan Varsonofy of Vinnytsia and Bar, six priests of the Vinnytsia Eparchy have been banned from the priesthood, reports the press service of the Vinnytsia Eparchy.

"For gross violation of the clergyman's oath, on the basis of Canon 2 of the Council of Antioch, Canons 10, 11 and 39 of the Holy Apostles, the following priests are dismissed from the posts of the rector of churches and banned from the priesthood: Archpriest Vitaly Trach, Archpriest Vladimir Slobodianiuk, Archpriest Yaroslav Diachina, Archpriest Joseph Danko, Priest Alexei Yakubovsky and Priest Nazary Trach," the message on the eparchy's website reads.

The priests are not allowed to give a blessing, wear a pectoral cross and receive Holy Communion.

As reported earlier, two UOC clerics have been banned from ministry for falling into schism.

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.