<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" version="2.0"><channel><title>News and articles UOJ</title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/</link><description>Articles and news about Orthodoxy, UOC and Christianity</description><language>en</language><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:07:09 +0200</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://svazpn.cz/en/rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /><item><title><![CDATA[In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85655-in-ukraine-trumps-spiritual-advisor-reassured-of-religious-freedom</link><description><![CDATA[Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 11:48:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 30, 2025, evangelical pastor Mark Burns visited Ukraine at the invitation of Chief Rabbi Moshe Azman. Azman introduced Burns as the "personal spiritual advisor" to U.S. President Donald Trump.
At the rabbi’s initiative, a “multi-faith religious forum” was organized for Burns, bringing together representatives of various religious denominations and communities active in Ukraine. In addition to Jewish leaders, participants included Michael Onyshchenko, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; Oleksandr Drabinko, a "metropolitan" of the OCU; Ihor Shaban representing the UGCC; and pastors from Protestant denominations in Ukraine. Oleg Havrysh, a representative of the Presidential Office, was also present.
On his Facebook page, Pastor Burns wrote that he met “with Ukraine’s top religious leaders.”
“Their testimony of Russia's systematic religious persecution is heartbreaking: over 20,000 Ukrainian children kidnapped and forcibly deported, 700+ houses of worship, mosques, synagogues, temples, & churches destroyed, and clergy brutally murdered. Yet despite these horrors, Ukraine stands strong as a beacon of religious freedom, welcoming ALL faiths..”
In the comments under his post, someone asked Burns whether he met with representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Metropolitan Onuphry. The pastor replied with a photo showing the backs of Drabynko and Anishchenko and wrote: “Yes, Bishop Andriy is seen in this photo. He explained that it is the Russian Orthodox Church and Russians in the occupied territories who are doing this.” Burns did not clarify who “Bishop Andriy” is or what connection the UOC has to the actions of the ROC in the occupied territories.
The backs of Drabynko and Anishchenko. Photo: Burns’ Facebook
Group photos from the meeting show that no UOC representatives were present.
Pastor Burns was also taken on a tour of Bucha and Irpin.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that according to Sviatoslav Shevchuk, the UGCC does not understand the actions of the Trump administration.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85655-in-ukraine-trumps-spiritual-advisor-reassured-of-religious-freedom</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85654-lavra-brethren-congratulate-metropolitan-pavel-on-31-years-as-abbot</link><description><![CDATA[The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:54:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[The brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra congratulated their abbot, Metropolitan Pavel, on the 31st anniversary of his service as head of the ancient monastery. In their congratulatory letter, the monks highlighted the Metropolitan’s role in the Lavra’s revival following years of Soviet neglect.
“Over these years, with God’s help and under your wise leadership, the Lavra has flourished. You dedicated your life to its restoration, to mentoring the brotherhood, and caring for all who sought spiritual refuge here,” the message reads.
The brethren expressed gratitude to their abbot for his efforts, spiritual support, and “unwavering faithfulness to the Church.”
In closing, the monks shared their hope of returning to their home monastery: “We believe that the Lord will arrange all things for His glory, and that we will once again be able to pray together within the holy Lavra’s sacred walls!”
As a reminder, in March 2023, the Ukrainian government decided to terminate the lease of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra held by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Since then, court proceedings have been ongoing regarding the state’s eviction of the monks from their monastery.
Criminal proceedings were opened against Metropolitan Pavel on what the UOC describes as fabricated charges. He spent several months in detention and is currently under house arrest.
Since August 10, 2023, access for worshippers to the Lower Lavra, where the monastery is located, has been closed by the authorities.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85654-lavra-brethren-congratulate-metropolitan-pavel-on-31-years-as-abbot</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85653-amsterdam-intrusion-into-lavra-caves-a-return-to-soviet-era-persecution</link><description><![CDATA[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.]]></description><pubDate>Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:15:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Robert Amsterdam, an international attorney representing the interests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), issued an official statement denouncing the unauthorized intrusion by Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture into the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The full statement is published on the Save the UOC website.
According to the statement, on March 28, 2025, a commission appointed by the Ministry of Culture arrived at the Lavra to conduct an “inspection” of the relics preserved in the monastery’s caves. The commission included anatomists, histologists, embryologists, and even a doctor of veterinary sciences. The caves have been sealed off, and the commission’s work is scheduled to continue until May 30.
“This is nothing short of a state-sponsored desecration of a site that has been a spiritual centre for nearly a millennium,” Amsterdam stated.
“The government’s actions directly violate both Ukrainian law and international conventions on religious freedom. For the Ukrainian authorities to conduct such a raid, just days after the US Commission on International Religious Freedom was discussing the protection of holy relics in Ukraine, represents a further provocation,” the lawyer emphasized.
He stressed that this raid represents “a disturbing return to Soviet-era religious persecution tactics.”
The statement notes: “The commission’s inspection comes after the Ukrainian government’s controversial decision in March 2023 to terminate the UOC’s lease of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, an act widely regarded as unjust and politically motivated. Members of the UOC, a historic Christian denomination increasingly under attack by the government, are also currently preparing for the implementation of Law 3894, legislation that establishes a legal framework for the dissolution of the UOC.”
Amsterdam highlighted that Law 3894 and the persecution of the UOC have been criticized by numerous globally respected individuals and organizations, including Pope Francis, the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, the World Council of Churches, the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, the Church of England, and Forum 18.
“This fresh attack on Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra threatens to further undermine religious freedom in Ukraine and deepen social divisions—something Ukraine can ill afford as it continues its struggle against Russia’s aggression,” the statement concluded.
The UOC is calling on the international community to condemn this violation of religious freedom and demands an immediate halt to all unauthorized government activity at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a Greek theologian appealed to the Primates of the Churches over the sacrilege at the Lavra.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85653-amsterdam-intrusion-into-lavra-caves-a-return-to-soviet-era-persecution</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85652-over-20-eu-states-condemn-hungary-for-ban-on-lgbt-propaganda-among-children</link><description><![CDATA[“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 18:15:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[More than twenty European countries and Australia have expressed concern in a joint statement over Hungary’s new child protection law, which bans the dissemination of images or promotion of homosexuality among minors, European Pravda reports.
The law effectively prohibits pride parades, as they are considered to involve the promotion of LGBT ideology.
In a statement issued by the embassies of 21 European countries and Australia, the signatories argue that the Hungarian law “leads to restrictions on the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.”
“We are committed to respecting, protecting, and fulfilling the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sexual characteristics, and to fighting discrimination on these grounds,” the declaration reads.
The statement was signed by the embassies of Australia, Austria, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Finland, France, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Sweden.
As a reminder, on March 17, 2025, the Hungarian Parliament adopted amendments to several laws, including the Civil Code and previously enacted laws on the freedom of assembly. One amendment prohibits holding “gatherings that violate the Child Protection Act” and obliges regional authorities to ban such events.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85652-over-20-eu-states-condemn-hungary-for-ban-on-lgbt-propaganda-among-children</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85651-his-beatitude-officiates-consecration-of-bishop-of-rakhiv</link><description><![CDATA[At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:35:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, a hierarchical consecration was held at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra for Archimandrite Mark (Kushtan), who was ordained as Bishop of Rakhiv. The service was led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reports the UOC's press service.
The solemn Divine Liturgy took place on March 30, 2025, the feast day of St. John Climacus, in the Church of St. Agapitus of the Caves on the grounds of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
The newly consecrated Bishop Mark (Kushtan) will serve as a vicar of the Khust Eparchy. His election was decided by the Holy Synod of the UOC during its session on March 19, 2025.
In accordance with tradition, before the start of the Liturgy, the bishop-elect publicly professed the Orthodox faith and took vows to uphold Church Tradition and the Holy Canons.
Eleven bishops participated in the consecration, including Metropolitan Mark, the ruling hierarch of the Khust Eparchy.
During the service, special prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine, the release of captives, healing of the sick, and support for those left homeless.
During the Liturgy, His Beatitude also ordained Illia Nychyporuk, a graduate of the Kyiv Theological Seminary, to the diaconate.
After the service, the traditional rite of presenting the episcopal staff to the newly consecrated bishop took place. His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry then addressed Bishop Mark with words of guidance.
In his address, the Primate reminded the new bishop of the great responsibility of the episcopal ministry: “From this day forward, you are called – more than ever before – to be a fisher of human souls, to save them from the power of the devil and sin, and to make them children of God.”
His Beatitude emphasized that meekness, humility, and obedience are the best qualities of spiritual leaders and urged the bishop to be “an example of a pious life to the people.”
“Neither the desire for power, nor for glory, nor for comfort should motivate your actions. Only love – love for God and for people – can be your driving force,” he said.
His Beatitude also gave special attention to the trials faced by the Church: “As St. John Vyshensky said, the main sign of the true Church is that it is always persecuted. And as St. Gregory the Theologian noted, persecution only makes the Church more glorious through suffering.”
Afterward, Bishop Mark of Rakhiv gave his first archpastoral blessing to the faithful.
The Khust Eparchy is one of the largest in the UOC in the Zakarpattia region. The appointment of a vicar bishop reflects the growing number of parishes and the vibrant church life in the area.
Earlier, it was reported that the Holy Synod of the UOC had elected a vicar bishop for the Khust Eparchy.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85651-his-beatitude-officiates-consecration-of-bishop-of-rakhiv</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85650-met-victor-it-is-painful-to-see-lavras-relics-turned-into-test-subjects</link><description><![CDATA[According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:49:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Metropolitan Victor of Khmelnytskyi has expressed deep concern over the situation surrounding the relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk saints, which are set to be examined by a commission from the Ministry of Culture. The commission reportedly includes biologists, embryologists, and even veterinarians, reports the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy.
“Today, the relics of the Pechersk saints – which for us are among the greatest sacred treasures, venerated by Orthodox Christians in many countries and on every continent – are to be examined in terms of their scientific and historical value,” the hierarch said with alarm.
He recalled the long-standing tradition of veneration for these holy relics, and how countless pilgrims used to visit the caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. “Now, sadly, it is no longer possible to simply enter the caves and pray to the saints who pleased God. It is no longer possible to feel that taste of heaven on earth, of which St. John Climacus wrote,” Metropolitan Victor noted.
What troubles the bishop most is how the scientific commission will treat the relics. “Twice a year, the brethren of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra would change the vestments of the relics. Monks did this with constant prayer on their lips, reverently touching the relics of the ascetics,” he said, reminding that according to Church teaching, the grace of the Holy Spirit sanctifies not only the souls of the saints but also their bodies, and this grace does not depart from them even after death.
“How will the scientists, who are now part of the commission for the ‘inventory of saints’ ,treat these relics? Will they touch them with prayer? Will they believe in their holiness?” Metropolitan Victor asked.
Despite the troubling situation, the bishop urged believers to follow the example of Christ’s disciples, who did not abandon their Teacher even in the most difficult moments. “For us, Orthodox Christian believers, the historical and scientific value of the incorrupt relics has already been proven by the holiness of their lives. Therefore, we will continue to pray to the saints of the Kyiv Caves, honor their memory, and strive – even if only in a small way – to emulate their spiritual feats,” the hierarch emphasized.
In closing, Metropolitan Victor appealed: “Our Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves, pray to God for us!”
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a theologian from Greece had appealed to the primates of the Orthodox Churches over the sacrilege taking place at the Lavra.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85650-met-victor-it-is-painful-to-see-lavras-relics-turned-into-test-subjects</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[DESS has not yet prepared lists for clergy exemptions]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85647-dess-has-not-yet-prepared-lists-for-clergy-exemptions</link><description><![CDATA[The State Service for Ethnopolitics is still compiling a list of religious organizations it deems critical to the economy.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:28:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Back in December 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers announced that clergy would be eligible for military service exemptions and instructed the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) to prepare a corresponding list. However, in response to an inquiry by Interfax-Ukraine regarding the list of religious organizations considered critically important for the economy and essential services during a special period, DESS gave a vague reply.
“Work is currently underway to compile such a list,” the agency stated. It added that there is still no information regarding the number or names of religious organizations granted critical status. There is also no information about the number of clergy exempted from military service, as the exemption process will only begin after the list is approved.
DESS is conducting a phased review of over 30,000 religious organizations. The timeline for completing this process remains unknown.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience, clergy of the UOC are expected to face difficulties obtaining military exemptions.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85647-dess-has-not-yet-prepared-lists-for-clergy-exemptions</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[UOC metropolitan addressing UN calls for return of Cherkasy cathedral]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85649-uoc-metropolitan-addressing-un-calls-for-return-of-cherkasy-cathedral</link><description><![CDATA[Metropolitan Theodosiy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has addressed diplomats and representatives of international organizations, speaking out against violations of the rights of UOC believers.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:48:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 28, 2025, Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev) of Cherkasy and Kaniv delivered a speech at the United Nations during the 58th Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council, under the agenda item concerning the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation in Ukraine, according to The Public Advocacy website.
In the presence of Human Rights Council President Jürg Lauber, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, diplomats from UN member states, and representatives of international organizations, the metropolitan stated that a crime had been committed in Ukraine against UOC believers. He described the violent seizure of the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy, the brutal beating of worshippers, the use of weapons by the attackers, and the theft of money and other property. He emphasized that the cathedral is the legally registered property of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC, as confirmed by official documentation.
Despite the clear legal evidence of a crime, the metropolitan said, the cathedral has not only been seized but also handed over by the authorities to representatives of another denomination – the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” – who are now openly holding religious services there.
He called on UN Special Rapporteurs, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and diplomats of UN member states to help put an end to the widespread crimes against UOC believers. He further suggested that, in light of the start of peace negotiations regarding Ukraine, restoring justice in this case and returning the cathedral to its rightful owner could be the first steps toward ending the persecution of the UOC and restoring the rule of law and human rights in Ukraine.
During the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, human rights organizations Public Advocacy and For Human Rights published a written statement on the UN documentation center's website concerning the seizure of the cathedral in Cherkasy. The statement included details of an attempted murder of Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev) during the incident, in which he was struck on the head with a heavy object, causing serious injury. It also reported bodily harm inflicted on numerous UOC believers, along with the theft of money and other property from the cathedral complex.
A detailed account of the violent seizure of the cathedral was included in a joint written statement submitted by human rights organizations with consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council. This statement was distributed among participants of the 58th session during the debate on “Human Rights Situations that Require the Council’s Attention.”
The full text of the statement is available on the UN documentation center’s website under the number A/HRC/58/NGO/111.
Human rights work on the case of the seizure of the UOC’s St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy will continue through international courts, UN special procedures, and diplomatic and political dialogue at various levels.
Special attention will be given by human rights lawyers to the issue of imposing sanctions on Ukrainian officials and politicians who allowed human rights violations in this case and failed to ensure the fair return of the property to its legal owner.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ report from December 31 on the situation in Ukraine covering the period from September to November 2024, Ukraine failed to justify the necessity and proportionality of measures aimed at dissolving religious organizations, including the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85649-uoc-metropolitan-addressing-un-calls-for-return-of-cherkasy-cathedral</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Primate of UOC speaks on the steps of spiritual ladder leading to salvation]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85648-primate-of-uoc-speaks-on-the-steps-of-spiritual-ladder-leading-to-salvation</link><description><![CDATA[The Primate of the UOC emphasized that the steps in the book by St. John Climacus lead from humility to perfect love.]]></description><pubDate>Sun, 30 Mar 2025 11:14:00 +0200</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 30, 2025, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Metropolitan Onuphry delivered a sermon to the faithful dedicated to St. John Climacus and his teaching on spiritual perfection.
In his homily during the Divine Liturgy at the Lavra’s Church of St. Agapitus of the Caves, His Beatitude noted that most of Great Lent had already passed, and each believer, to the extent of their strength, had endeavored to observe abstinence, resist sinful thoughts, and offer prayers. “Through fasting and prayer, we aim to ascend to the highest step of spiritual perfection,” he emphasized.
The Primate reminded that on this day, the Orthodox Church commemorates St. John Climacus, who lived in the 6th century and wrote The Ladder – a spiritual work describing the Christian path to holiness.
Drawing on the Beatitudes, the UOC Primate outlined the steps of spiritual ascent:

Spiritual poverty – the awareness of one’s dependence on God and the understanding that everything we possess is a gift from Him.
Mourning – born of recognizing our spiritual poverty and the desire to receive God’s grace.
Meekness – a state in which anger and hostility vanish, and a person becomes kind to all, even to enemies.
Hunger and thirst for righteousness – the pursuit not of human justice, but of God’s will, which leads to salvation.
Mercy – the ability to forgive others’ mistakes and sins, and the desire that God may forgive and bless all people.
Purity of heart – liberation from passions and vices, making the heart a vessel of the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Peacemaking – reconciliation with God and the ability to bring others into peace with God and with one another.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God – this is the highest honor a person can attain,” Metropolitan Onuphry noted.
In conclusion, the Metropolitan reminded the faithful that fasting and prayer are the means by which Christians grow spiritually: “They are the two wings that lift us higher and higher, or the two staffs on which we lean as we ascend the high mountain of the grace of the Holy Spirit.”
His Beatitude urged believers not to neglect their spiritual growth and wished everyone a fruitful remainder of Great Lent so that they may joyfully celebrate the Feast of the Bright Resurrection of Christ.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Metropolitan Onuphry, for those who see God, paradise already begins here on earth.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85648-primate-of-uoc-speaks-on-the-steps-of-spiritual-ladder-leading-to-salvation</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cherkasy sisters of mercy express support for Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra brethren]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85646-cherkasy-sisters-of-mercy-express-support-for-kyiv-pechersk-lavra-brethren</link><description><![CDATA[The sisters of the Martha and Mary Convent hope that the holy relics and the Lavra will soon be returned to Orthodox believers.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 21:06:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[The Sisters of Mercy of the Martha and Mary Convent of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Cherkasy Eparchy recorded a message expressing their support for the brotherhood and residents of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The video was published on the Cherkasy Pilgrim Telegram channel.
According to them, the events that took place on Friday, March 28, have deeply shaken all faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
“What is happening to our Church today resembles the actions of the communists in the 1920s. In our time, we must remember the words of the Apostle Paul, who said: ‘All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.’ These words affirm that persecution is a sign of true Christian life,” they said.
Placing their hope in God’s will, the sisters expressed their belief that the holy relics and the Lavra will soon be returned to Orthodox believers.
“Holy saints of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, pray to God for us!” the sisters concluded.


As previously reported by the UOJ, UOC Protodeacon and former MP Vadym Novynskyi commented on the effective state takeover of the Near and Far Caves of the Lavra and the work of the commission tasked with “examining” the relics of the Pechersk saints, stating that with their sacrilege in the Lavra, the authorities are bringing calamities upon the entire country.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85646-cherkasy-sisters-of-mercy-express-support-for-kyiv-pechersk-lavra-brethren</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[250 believers of Transfiguration Church, Kerstentsi, confirm loyalty to UOC]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85645-250-believers-of-transfiguration-church-kerstentsi-confirm-loyalty-to-uoc</link><description><![CDATA[At the same time, the activists of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine were unable to gather 50 people for their vote on the "transfer" of the Orthodox community.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 20:46:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On February 28, 2025, the religious community in honor of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the Bukovynian village of Kerstentsi, part of the Khotyn district of the UOC, with the rector, archpriest Volodymyr Tymofeiev, testified its loyalty to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church led by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry. This was reported on the page "Faithful of the Chernivtsi-Bukovynian Eparchy".
All 250 parishioners present voted in favor.
At the same time, the meeting of supporters of the OCU was postponed several times. Initially, it was planned for February 28, but only about 30 people showed up. The infamous chaplain present at the event stated that this was insufficient, so the meeting was postponed. However, even fewer people came then – about 25 – so the meeting was postponed again, this time to Sunday, March 23.
According to local residents, this time various methods of "delaying the meeting" were employed, including blackmail, threats of mobilization through the TRC, bribery, and other means. However, even such methods did not yield the expected results – about 40 people attended.
"The organizers claimed that many people were also in the corridor, but according to our information, it was the police. Of course, law enforcement officers are also citizens, but they are not members of the religious community of the UOC in the village of Kerstentsi. For the organizers, this apparently did not matter," the Chernivtsi Eparchy added.

The press service of the OCU stated that allegedly at the general parish meeting, 181 "registered members of the community unanimously made the decision" to join their structure. According to them, "the process took place in accordance with canonical and legal norms, reflecting the will of the community." The photo clearly shows that several dozen people gathered in the hall.
As reported by the UOJ, believers remain in the cathedral of Chernivtsi overnight, fearing an assault.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85645-250-believers-of-transfiguration-church-kerstentsi-confirm-loyalty-to-uoc</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Believers stay overnight in Chernivtsi cathedral fearing a storming attempt]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85644-believers-stay-overnight-in-chernivtsi-cathedral-fearing-a-storming-attempt</link><description><![CDATA[This marks the 39th day of continuous round-the-clock prayer by parishioners.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 20:14:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[At the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi, believers are remaining on night watch after the evening service due to fears of an attempted storming of the church. This was reported by the Chernivtsi Orthodox Telegram channel Orthobuk.
Earlier, the channel had issued a call for Orthodox Christians in Bukovyna to come to the cathedral, after information emerged that provocations by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) might take place in the evening in an attempt to seize the holy site.
“Threats of seizure are not empty words. The only reason the cathedral hasn’t been stormed yet is because you are here,” the message said.
Currently, an all-night vigil is being held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral. Afterward, many parishioners will remain for the night service, during which clergy will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The faithful plan to pray throughout the night inside the church.
According to the Chernivtsi Eparchy, this will be the 39th consecutive day of round-the-clock prayer vigil by parishioners of the cathedral, defending their right to confess the Orthodox faith.


As previously reported by the UOJ, on March 9, 2025, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, thousands of faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church participated in a festive procession around the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85644-believers-stay-overnight-in-chernivtsi-cathedral-fearing-a-storming-attempt</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[In Kryvyi Rih, Metropolitan Yefrem performs a monastic tonsure]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85642-in-kryvyi-rih-metropolitan-yefrem-performs-a-monastic-tonsure</link><description><![CDATA[The novice of the cathedral of the Kryvyi Rih Eparchy was tonsured into the rassaphore with the name Lukia.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 18:08:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 29, 2025, Metropolitan Yefrem of Kryvyi Rih and Nikopol performed a monastic tonsure at the Transfiguration of the Lord Cathedral in Kryvyi Rih, reports the press service of the Kryvyi Rih Eparchy.
The novice of the cathedral, Nadiya Kolomeichuk, was tonsured into the rasophore with the name Lukiya, in honor of the holy martyr Lukiya of Syracuse.
A relic of the martyr Lukiya is permanently located in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral and is venerated as one of the greatest shrines. The relics of the saint were gifted from the Church of the Holy Prophet Jeremiah in Venice.
After the tonsure, Metropolitan Yefrem gave spiritual guidance to the newly tonsured nun Lukiya.
As reported by the UOJ, earlier, a monastic tonsure was performed at the Mikhnovsky Monastery in Volyn.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85642-in-kryvyi-rih-metropolitan-yefrem-performs-a-monastic-tonsure</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Romanian Patriarch congratulates Albanian Archbishop on his enthronement]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85641-romanian-patriarch-congratulates-albanian-archbishop-on-his-enthronement</link><description><![CDATA[The congratulatory message from Patriarch Daniel was delivered by a hierarch of the Romanian Church who attended the enthronement ceremony.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 16:35:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church sent a congratulatory message on the occasion of the enthronement of the newly elected Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania, Ioannis (Pelushi), reports basilica.ro.
The Romanian Patriarch noted that Archbishop John is called “to the high ministry of Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, with the sacred mission of faithfully continuing and developing the spiritual legacy of the esteemed Archbishop Anastasios.”
“We are fully confident that Your Beatitude will fulfill this new ministry with great pastoral responsibility and missionary dynamism, contributing to the preaching of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in an increasingly secularized world marked by numerous crises,” Patriarch Daniel emphasized.
He also assured Archbishop John of his “complete readiness for the closest cooperation between our sister Churches.”
“Only in this way can we jointly bear a credible Christian witness in Europe and throughout the world,” he added.
The message was delivered by the Archbishop and honorary Metropolitan of Târgoviște of the Muntenia Metropolis, who attended the enthronement ceremony.
“On behalf of the Holy Synod, the clergy, and the faithful of the Romanian Orthodox Church, we congratulate you on this blessed event. At the same time, we wish Your Beatitude many fruitful years in the service of the Holy Orthodox Church of Albania,” Patriarch Daniel concluded.
As previously reported by the UOJ, the enthronement of the new Primate of the Albanian Church took place on March 29, 2025.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85641-romanian-patriarch-congratulates-albanian-archbishop-on-his-enthronement</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Enthronement of the new Primate of Albanian Church takes place]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85639-enthronement-of-the-new-primate-of-albanian-church-takes-place</link><description><![CDATA[Delegations from Local Orthodox Churches and government officials from Albania, Greece, and other countries attended the ceremony.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:50:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 29, 2025, the official enthronement of the new Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ioannis (Pelushi), took place at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Tirana, reports a UOJ correspondent.
The ceremony was attended by delegations from Autocephalous and Local Orthodox Churches, as well as officials from the governments of Albania, Greece, and other countries.
Speaking on behalf of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Nikolla of Apollonia and Fier emphasized that Archbishop Ioannis will continue to “preserve religious harmony and coexistence,” following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Archbishop Anastasios, who revived the Church in the country after the fall of communism.
“The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania wishes to live in peace with everyone,” said the newly elected Primate, adding that religious coexistence must be “protected and further enriched.”
President of Albania Bajram Begaj stated that the ceremony carried a message “that goes beyond faith, calling all citizens of goodwill to build a more just, more modest, more united, and brotherly society.”




As the UOJ previously reported, on March 16, 2025, a session of the Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church was held in Tirana, during which Metropolitan Ioannis (Pelushi) of Korçë was elected as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. Archbishop Ioannis is the second primate of the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania since the fall of the communist regime.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85639-enthronement-of-the-new-primate-of-albanian-church-takes-place</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Novynskyi: With their blasphemy, authorities invite troubles upon entire country]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85640-in-the-lavra-the-authorities-are-inviting-troubles-upon-the-entire-country-with-their-blasphemy-novinsky</link><description><![CDATA[The faithful know that the incorruptibility of the Pechersk Saints is a sign of holiness, not a subject for laboratory experiments, the cleric emphasized.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 15:14:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Protodeacon of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and former Member of Parliament Vadym Novynsky commented on his website regarding the effective state takeover of the Near and Far Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, as well as the commission established to examine the relics of the Pechersk Saints.
He described the events as a "neo-Bolshevik" manifestation of the current authorities. According to him, cynicism and blatant blasphemy are embedded even in the very idea of the "study".
“Are officials planning to determine the holiness of church relics? Or is the goal to divide the Pechersk Saints into ‘ours’ and ‘theirs’?” Novynskyi asked.
He reminded readers that the saints resting in the caves of the Lavra come from various regions, including ascetics from Novgorod, Smolensk, and Polotsk. The relics of the Holy Hieromartyr Metropolitan Vladimir (Bogoyavlensky) of Kyiv and Galicia, martyred in 1918, are located in the Far Caves.
“Is the government really preparing to conduct DNA tests to determine how much ‘Ukrainian’ the relics are?” the protodeacon inquired.
“The state is clearly trying to set itself against the Church, just as the Bolsheviks once did. In 1922, they initiated an inspection of the relics of the Lavra saints, and throughout the Soviet era, these holy remains were repeatedly disturbed,” he noted.
According to Novynskyi, the incorruptibility of the Pechersk Saints is a sign of sanctity, not a subject for scientific study. “The relics of the Pechersk Saints are not ‘remains’ for laboratory experiments. They are sacred,” he emphasized.
“Today, in the Lavra, the Ukrainian authorities are acting not only against the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They are committing sacrilege and mocking the entire fullness of Orthodoxy,” Novynskyi declared.
He expressed hope that the Local Orthodox Churches would respond to the actions of the Ukrainian authorities and warned: “By committing sacrilege, the authorities are calling down new misfortunes and suffering upon Ukraine, challenging God and His Church.”
“All we can do is pray for Ukraine, and for peace and prosperity to return to our land. As for those who have chosen the path of fighting against God – they have determined their own fate,” Novynskyi concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a Greek theologian had appealed to the primates of the Churches over the sacrilege occurring in the Lavra.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85640-in-the-lavra-the-authorities-are-inviting-troubles-upon-the-entire-country-with-their-blasphemy-novinsky</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Patriarch Bartholomew attends Muslim Iftar dinner with Erdoğan]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85637-patriarch-bartholomew-attends-muslim-iftar-dinner-with-erdoan</link><description><![CDATA[The Ecumenical Patriarch traveled to Ankara to attend a Muslim evening meal with President Erdoğan.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:55:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 27, 2025, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Ankara at the invitation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to take part in an iftar dinner (the evening meal that breaks the Ramadan fast), held at the Beştepe Presidential Palace, reports Orthodox Times.
The dinner was hosted in honor of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who is on an official visit to Turkey.
As a sign of special respect, the Ecumenical Patriarch was seated to the left of President Erdoğan, as seen in official photographs from the event.
Around thirty distinguished guests attended the dinner, including high-ranking Turkish officials: the Ministers of National Defense, Interior, and Culture and Tourism, the head of the National Intelligence Organization, and the President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs.
Patriarch Bartholomew held a private and cordial conversation with President Erdoğan, during which he raised matters concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community in Turkey. President Erdoğan listened attentively and expressed interest in the issues discussed.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Turkey demanded an explanation regarding Patriarch Bartholomew’s signature on the 'Summit of Peace' Communiqué, after which the Patriarch withdrew his signature.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85637-patriarch-bartholomew-attends-muslim-iftar-dinner-with-erdoan</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Buddhist temple and mosque collapse in Mandalay after earthquake in Myanmar]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85634-buddhist-temple-and-mosque-collapse-in-mandalay-after-earthquake-in-myanmar</link><description><![CDATA[This is the most powerful earthquake in Myanmar since 1946. Over 1,000 people have died, and 670 monasteries have been damaged.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:46:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, causing widespread destruction, including the collapse of the iconic Mahamuni Buddha Temple in Mandalay and the Shwe Pho Shein Mosque in the Singaing township of Mandalay Region. According to the MRTV state broadcaster, 670 monasteries have also been damaged.
Part of the Buddha temple collapsed due to the force of the earthquake. Images released by MRTV show that several sections of the wall surrounding the royal palace of the last Burmese monarchy also sustained severe damage.
The earthquake struck while Muslims were praying inside the Shwe Pho Shein Mosque. According to eyewitnesses, many worshippers did not survive the collapse.
As of now, the death toll from the earthquake in Myanmar has exceeded 1,000, AFP reports, citing authorities. Myanmar Now reports around 2,400 injured. According to the latest data, 1,591 residential buildings, 670 monasteries, and 60 schools have been damaged in Mandalay and the surrounding areas. Dozens of cultural heritage sites have been severely damaged or completely destroyed.
This is the most powerful earthquake in Myanmar since 1946. The epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake was located west of Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city. The tremors were felt in several major cities, including the capital, Naypyidaw.
As the previously reported, in February a religious procession was held on the island of Santorini, Greece, to pray for the cessation of earthquakes.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85634-buddhist-temple-and-mosque-collapse-in-mandalay-after-earthquake-in-myanmar</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Metropolitan Pavel: The Lavra was rebuilt without state support]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85636-metropolitan-pavel-the-lavra-was-rebuilt-without-state-support</link><description><![CDATA[The abbot of the Lavra underscored that 40 brethren have been ordained as bishops.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 14:44:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Metropolitan Pavel, the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, stated in an interview with the monastery’s website that the restoration of the Lavra after the Soviet era took place without significant government assistance.
“Before that, the churches and buildings were in ruins, and the caves were in a deplorable state. Almost without any state support, but thanks to the donations of kind people, the Lavra began to be rebuilt,” noted Metropolitan Pavel, who has headed the monastery for 31 years.
According to him, “all restoration work was carried out by licensed groups from all over Ukraine under the supervision of the national museum-reserve and government institutions.”
The abbot emphasized that during his tenure, they managed not only to restore the architectural complex but also to form “a wonderful monastic community.” “Forty members of the brotherhood have been ordained as bishops,” he noted.
Speaking about the current situation, Metropolitan Pavel expressed concern that the monastics – “nearly two hundred laborers of the Mother of God's abode” – are being threatened with eviction from their home. “These Ukrainian citizens are being deprived of the right to pray in their own Church, in their own monastery,” he said.
“We remain citizens of Ukraine who have the right to freedom of religion,” the abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra stressed.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a commission from the Ministry of Culture, accompanied by police, broke the locks at the entrances to the Near and Far Caves of the Lavra.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85636-metropolitan-pavel-the-lavra-was-rebuilt-without-state-support</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hasidim travel to Uman to celebrate “New Year for the elite”]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85635-hasidim-travel-to-uman-to-celebrate-new-year-for-the-elite</link><description><![CDATA[Over 1,200 Hasidic pilgrims have arrived in Uman to mark the anniversary of Rabbi Nachman.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 13:11:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Hasidic Jews are arriving in Uman to celebrate the birthday of their spiritual leader, Rabbi Nachman. As of March 28, 2025, more than 1,200 pilgrims had already come to the city, according to Suspilne.
Anastasia Baryshnikova, PR director of the Rabbi Nachman of Breslov International Charitable Foundation, explained that Hasidim view Rabbi Nachman’s birthday as a kind of “New Year for the elite.”
“Rabbi Nachman’s birthday, which falls at the end of March, is like a New Year for privileged people – for those with high financial and social status. They say: just as nature has its New Year, so do those who wield influence in this world. Rabbi Nachman’s birthday is the New Year for the elite – for those who make decisions, manage processes, hold power, and possess great opportunities,” Baryshnikova said.
According to her, Hasidim believe that on Rabbi Nachman’s birthday, one’s destiny for the year ahead is revealed – what your work will be, what changes will come, and what path is set before you.
“In the 19th century, local Christians believed that on the 1st of Nisan, a fire would emerge from the ground near the grave. There are accounts that local elders witnessed strange lights or a glow near Rabbi Nachman’s grave specifically in the days of March. Maybe it was just a legend – but for Hasidim, it became proof that the site was chosen for a reason,” Baryshnikova added.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a personal chair was recently made for President Zelensky in a Kyiv synagogue.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85635-hasidim-travel-to-uman-to-celebrate-new-year-for-the-elite</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Cardinal Parolin: Pope will return to govern the Church but not like before]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85633-the-pope-will-not-be-able-to-govern-the-catholic-church-as-before-cardinal-parolin</link><description><![CDATA[The Vatican Secretary of State said it would be necessary to find "different ways" for Pope Francis to return to his activies.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:47:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[After a 38-day battle with pneumonia in the hospital, Pope Francis will return to governing the Catholic Church, but possibly not to the same extent as before the crisis, stated Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State, on March 27, 2025. This was reported by Ansa.
Parolin, speaking on the sidelines of the "Chair of Welcome" at Fraterna Domus in Sacrofano near Rome, answered journalists' questions about Pope Francis's health condition.
"I continually receive messages from people who say precisely 'we are praying for the Pope, we are praying for his full recovery, for his full re-establishment so that he can return to carry out his activity, to govern the Church,'" he stated.
According to the Vatican Secretary of State, in order for the pontiff to return to work, "different ways" will need to be found.
"Maybe not like before, we will have to find different ways but one in which he is still able to do it," Parolin said.
As reported by the UOJ, the cardinal of the RCC stated that the Pope will have to relearn how to speak after his treatment.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85633-the-pope-will-not-be-able-to-govern-the-catholic-church-as-before-cardinal-parolin</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Lavra abbot: I am sure the caves will open soon]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85632-lavra-abbot-im-certain-the-caves-will-reopen-soon</link><description><![CDATA[Metropolitan Pavel hopes that the authorities will lift the blockade of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:23:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[The abbot of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel, stated in an interview with the monastery's website his confidence that the caves of the monastery will soon be opened to the faithful.
“I asked to open the caves for people, and I am sure this will happen soon. I hope that the entire Lavra will be fully opened as well,” the hierarch noted.
Metropolitan Pavel emphasized the importance of access for believers to the Lavra's holy sites: “Only prayer can help those in power and the state, so we should not close churches, but open them, so that God's people can offer joint prayers.”
He stressed that “only the enemies of Ukraine can destroy and take away churches, handing them over to unknown parties.”
Addressing the believers who currently cannot access the relics of the saints, the abbot advised: “If you cannot get to the caves, take an icon of the saints, read the akathist, canons, and troparia to them. Our churches are also open, where the Holy Pechersk Fathers are especially venerated.”
In conclusion, Metropolitan Pavel called for prayers for the enlightenment of the “persecutors of the Church” and for believers to unite “around the Risen Christ” in anticipation of the upcoming Easter holiday.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that a theologian from Greece appealed to the heads of the Churches due to the sacrilege in the Lavra.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85632-lavra-abbot-im-certain-the-caves-will-reopen-soon</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Kherson honors its heavenly patron – Venerable Barsanuphius]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85631-in-kherson-they-honored-the-memory-of-the-heavenly-patron-of-the-region-st-barsanuphius</link><description><![CDATA[Metropolitan Ioann encouraged the faithful to grow strong in the Orthodox faith and increase in love for God and neighbor by following the example of Venerable Barsanuphius.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 12:22:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 28, 2025, in Kherson, divine services were held at the Transfiguration Church of the Holy Spirit Cathedral to mark the 18th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of Venerable Barsanuphius – the heavenly patron and intercessor of the Kherson region. According to the press service of the Kherson Eparchy, the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts was led by Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavriya.
The metropolitan was concelebrated by clergy of the eparchy. During the service, he awarded several Kherson clergy with ecclesiastical honors.
Following the Liturgy, a prayer service was held in honor of Venerable Barsanuphius at the reliquary containing his holy relics.
At the conclusion of the service, the hierarch congratulated everyone on the feast day and expressed his wish that, “by following the example of Venerable Barsanuphius, we may grow stronger in the Orthodox faith and increase in love for God and neighbor.”
After the prayer service, a charitable meal was offered on the cathedral grounds for parishioners and pilgrims who came to prayerfully honor the memory of Kherson’s heavenly patron.
As previously reported by the UOJ, monastic tonsures have recently been performed at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and in the Kherson Eparchy.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85631-in-kherson-they-honored-the-memory-of-the-heavenly-patron-of-the-region-st-barsanuphius</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monastic tonsure performed at Mykhniv Monastery in Volyn]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85630-in-volyn-a-monastic-tonsure-was-performed-at-the-mikhnovsky-monastery</link><description><![CDATA[Bishop Athanasiy of Kamin-Kashyrskyi officiated the tonsure.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:47:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 27, 2025, the Thursday of the fourth week of Great Lent, a monastic tonsure was performed at the Meeting of the Lord Mykhniv Convent, according to the press service of the Volyn Eparchy.
The vicar of the eparchy, Bishop Athanasiy of Kamin-Kashyrskyi, tonsured Nun Martha and novice Olga as nuns. Martha received the name Rachel in honor of the Righteous Matriarch, and Olga became Nun Syncletica in honor of Venerable Syncletica of Alexandria.
After the tonsure, Bishop Athanasiy congratulated the newly tonsured nuns and wished them God’s help in their new spiritual service.
As previously reported by the UOJ, monastic tonsures have also recently been performed at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and in the Kherson Eparchy.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85630-in-volyn-a-monastic-tonsure-was-performed-at-the-mikhnovsky-monastery</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[UOC hierarch: Venerable Fathers will soon say their word]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85628-the-reverend-pechersk-will-soon-speak-their-word-the-hierarch-of-the-uoc</link><description><![CDATA[“Let us hope and rely on the Venerable Kyiv Pechersk Fathers,” called Metropolitan Theodosiy.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 11:34:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev) in his commentary "To the Cherkasy Pilgrim" regarding the blasphemous "exhumation of the relics" in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, called on the faithful to remain calm and noted that the Venerable Fathers of the Lavra are capable of defending themselves and will soon speak for themselves.
“Brothers and sisters, let us not fall into panic but maintain reasonable composure. Everything is happening as it was bound to happen. It has long been clear to many where all this is heading – not today, not yesterday, and not even three years ago… Today, the Venerable Fathers of the Lavra do not need our help or protection. They will defend us themselves. And very soon, they will,” the hierarch emphasized.
According to him, “those who have now dared to lay hands on their relics simply do not understand their power or their rightful place in our land” – just as “their spiritual predecessors didn’t understand it back in 1922 and 1941.”
He recalled that several years ago, when full-scale persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church began, one “prudent man” warned that the caves and relics of the venerable fathers must not be touched, as such an act would “end in tragedy for the blasphemers.”
“We have all already suffered deeply from their lawlessness and impunity. But we can do nothing about it. The venerable fathers, unlike us, can. Not long before Metropolitan Arseniy, the abbot of the Sviatohirsk Lavra, was thrown behind bars, in response to the tears and complaints of the faithful about what was happening, he said: ‘The final word will belong to the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves.’ Let us place our hope in the Venerable Ones. And let the lawless hurry to do their work,” Metropolitan Theodosiy concluded.
As the UOJ reported, on March 28, 2025, a commission from the Ministry of Culture arrived at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra accompanied by police. Early in the morning, while the city was still asleep, several vehicles carrying law enforcement officers – some equipped with angle grinders – entered the monastery grounds. They cut off and replaced the locks on the doors leading to the Near Caves and forced their way inside. Soon after, the same happened to the Far Caves. This marked the de facto seizure by the state of one of the most revered shrines of the Orthodox world – the relics of the Venerable Fathers of the Kyiv Caves.
Veterinarians, anatomists, and biologists are now set to "examine" the relics of the Pechersk saints. Could the authorities have spat more openly in the faces of believers?]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85628-the-reverend-pechersk-will-soon-speak-their-word-the-hierarch-of-the-uoc</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[In Bila Tserkva, representatives of OCU seize two more UOC churches]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85627-in-bila-tserkva-representatives-of-the-ocu-seized-two-more-uoc-churches</link><description><![CDATA[In the early morning, the raiders cut the locks and broke into the churches.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 10:22:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 28, 2025, representatives of the OCU seized two more churches in the city of Bila Tserkva, Kyiv region: the churches in honor of the Nativity of Christ and Blessed Xenia of Petersburg. This was reported by the administration of the Bila Tserkva Eparchy.
The diocesan press service reported that the seizure occurred according to the usual, rehearsed scenario.
After the curfew ended, OCU clergy, in the presence of police and young men of athletic build, damaged the locks of the church and entered the temple.
“We ask for prayers for the rectors of these churches, Archpriest Mykhailo Pop and Archpriest Borys Matokhniuk, along with their parishioners,” the message states.


As reported by the UOJ, on March 21, in Bila Tserkva, the OCU seized the Panteleimon Church of the UOC.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85627-in-bila-tserkva-representatives-of-the-ocu-seized-two-more-uoc-churches</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Church celebrates the third Parent Saturday of Great Lent 2025]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85626-the-church-celebrates-the-third-parent-saturday-of-great-lent-2025</link><description><![CDATA[On this day, it is important to attend the service and pray for the deceased.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:59:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[The third Parent Saturday of Great Lent – a special day of remembrance for the deceased – will be celebrated by the Orthodox Church on March 29, 2025.
During the weekdays of Great Lent, the usual Liturgy is not performed unless there is a major feast, and accordingly, the liturgical remembrance of the deceased also occurs less frequently.
To ensure that the deceased are not deprived of our communal prayers for them, the Church has established three special days for their particular remembrance. These are the Saturdays of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th weeks of Lent.
On these days, one can attend the Liturgy and pray for the deceased. This means not just submitting a note for the repose or ordering a forty-day memorial, but personally participating in the communal prayer.
Despite the name "parent", on these days Christians pray in the church for all deceased relatives and fellow believers (except for suicides, for whom one can only pray at home).
In addition to the Lenten Parent Saturdays, the Orthodox Church has other types of Parent Saturdays that are observed on different days of the church calendar year.
As previously reported by the UOJ, one can be prayed out of hell.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85626-the-church-celebrates-the-third-parent-saturday-of-great-lent-2025</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to attain hesychia]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/chelovek-i-cerkovy/85625-how-to-attain-hesychia</link><description><![CDATA[Sunday Sermon.]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 29 Mar 2025 05:13:00 +0100</pubDate><category>Man and Church</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[Today we celebrate the memory of St John Climacus (also known as St. John of the Ladder). His spiritual legacy belongs to the golden collection of patristic writings. His "Ladder" is one of the first attempts to systematize the ascetic experience of the Orthodox Church. Suppose we place this book on the same shelf with the books of questions and answers by St Barsanuphius the Great, St. John the Prophet, Abba Dorotheus, and Isaac the Syrian. In that case, we will have classic foundational textbooks on Orthodox psychology. All of them convey the ancient experience of the inner transformation of the soul and its struggle against the passions that live in the heart.
Everything around us in the church, i.e. the architecture of the temple, the liturgy, etc., is just decoration. Even the words of the Divine Scripture are symbols behind which lies a deep inner essence. All of this is given to us to find the core. If this does not happen, everything around us will remain mere decoration, without any inner content. The question is not about reading the Word of God and attending the liturgy. These are just means for the inner transformation or deification of the soul.
Why do we go to church for thirty, forty, or more years, but nothing happens to us? Why don't we change? We have many books at home, we know a lot, but inside, it is still as empty and dark as it was before.
Perhaps it is because there is no one to show us, by their example, how to walk this path properly. And those who are called to be spiritual mentors have turned into political commentators. In difficult and complex times of social change and upheaval, a priest must steer the ship towards Christ despite everything and against all odds and not turn into a political propagandist and agitator. This situation is a clear example of misunderstanding the essence and meaning of spiritual life. If the clergy do not understand this, what can we expect from the laity?

The essence of the work of St. John of the Ladder is an illustration of the experience of spiritual ascension, which the monasticism of that time had.

The first step on this path is finding the meaning of existence in this world. The penetration into the essence of oneself. Who am I? Where is my true self? I cannot identify myself with my thoughts, feelings, and desires because they constantly change and lack coherence. Where is the object that is to be saved? A person is fragmented, and within them, several centers work simultaneously, each trying to take the lead in guiding their life. Depending on which one prevails, that is where the person will go. The mind lives on its own. Emotions, feelings, and desires are not always controlled.
We often do what we hate and strive for what we do not want. Therefore, the first step is the ability to disidentify oneself from the mind, feelings, emotions, and desires. The consequence of this disidentification will be the soul's detachment from the world and the search for God in the spirit, which is our true self.
The first thing a monk must achieve on this path is the absence of desires and attachments. He is a wanderer and a stranger in this world; he needs nothing from it. We are mere passers-by, i.e., those who pass through this world. This is the first step of ascension. Everything in the world is just the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The only desire that remains with the monk is to die to this world with his soul to be reborn in the heavenly world with his heart. When this happens, neither the world nor the devil will have any access to such a soul.
The most difficult thing in all of this is to cut off one's will. For this, obedience to the elder and unquestioning submission to him in everything is required. Even in matters that seem absurd. The elder might ask the novice to plant vegetables upside down, water a dry tree, or carry water from far away when there is a well nearby.

A person changes not because they do crazy things, but because they cut off their will, all the while not interrupting their prayer and living connection with God. External actions do not interfere with their inner prayer.

When a person thus breaks their connection with the external world, they begin to discover their true self. When our ego dies within us, the spirit, which had been paralyzed by our ego, comes alive in its place. The spirit is our true personality, through which we can find a direct connection with God. But this is still not salvation; it is only the very beginning of the spiritual path. The spirit, having awakened, discovers that its soul is in a very pitiful state. A person begins to see themselves as they truly are, not as they had imagined themselves to be. And this is a very terrifying sight. Every time we repeat St. Ephraim the Syrian's prayer during Great Lent.
But if we truly saw our sins, our hearts would not be able to bear such a sight. It could drive us mad. Therefore, by His mercy, the Lord keeps us from this. But when the spirit awakens, with it also awakens the vision of our sins. From this moment begins the path of true repentance. This is the night of weeping that the saints pass through. The most terrifying and difficult period. It seems as though this darkness will never end. The ascetic is often overwhelmed by the spirit of despair and sorrow. Here, the help of an experienced spiritual guide is essential. This type of repentance is radically different from the intellectual repentance that we carry out in church before the altar.
After the night of spiritual repentance, the dawn of blessed enlightenment begins. The soul ascends to contemplate the uncreated light of the Divine.
Of course, the book of St. John is written for monks. But let us recall the life of the Egyptian ascetics. The Lord showed that the life of a shoemaker or two married women could be higher in His eyes than the monastic asceticism of St. Macarius the Great. And all of them were simple laypeople. It turns out that to achieve such a state, it is not necessary to abandon one's family and retreat into solitude. Every person has their path, and everyone can achieve salvation.

Until one attains dispassion, only attachments will live in us.

And whatever we call love, it will be some form of attachment. In their natural state, a person should not have any uncontrollable internal movements: neither mental, nor emotional, nor irrational. If this is present in us, then we are still in an unnatural state of sinful illness.
When one has an uninterrupted inner peace, existing independently of what happens around, this is called hesychia. Dispassion and hesychia are the ground upon which true love for God and people is born. And the beginning of all this lies in deep humility and trust in God.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/chelovek-i-cerkovy/85625-how-to-attain-hesychia</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Monastic tonsures performed in Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and Kherson Eparchy ]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85624-monastic-tonsures-were-performed-in-the-kyiv-pechersk-lavra-and-the-kherson-diocese</link><description><![CDATA["Monasticism is the spiritual rebirth of a person, it is the promise of complete dedication to God," said the abbot of the monastery.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:08:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[On March 27, 2025, Thursday of the Cross-Lifting Week, a tonsure into the mantle of the Lavra's brotherhood was performed in the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Metropolitan Ioann of Kherson and Tavria performed the monastic tonsure of the nun into the Great Schema on March 28. This was reported by the press services of the Lavra and the Kherson Eparchy.
Hierodeacon Timothy was named in honor of St. Varlaam, the abbot of the Caves, and monk Aristovul was named in honor of St. Anastasius of the Caves.
“Monasticism is the spiritual rebirth of a person, it is a promise of complete dedication to God. May the Lord keep you and grant you divine help in bearing your cross!” wished the monks the archimandrite Ilarion, the rector of the Kyiv-Pechersk Monastery.
After the ceremony, the brotherhood welcomed the newly tonsured.
Metropolitan Ioann performed the monastic tonsure into the Great Schema of nun Nektaria, naming her Varsonofiya, in honor of St. Varsonofy of Kherson.
As reported by the UOJ, on March 26, 2025, Wednesday of the fourth week of Great Lent, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanev performed monastic tonsures in the town of Stebliv in the Cherkasy Eparchy.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85624-monastic-tonsures-were-performed-in-the-kyiv-pechersk-lavra-and-the-kherson-diocese</guid></item><item><title><![CDATA[Veterinarian on relics commission revealed to hold awards from OCU]]></title><link>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85623-veterinarian-on-relics-commission-revealed-to-hold-awards-from-ocu</link><description><![CDATA[Oleh Melnyk has received 16 orders and medals from Filaret Denysenko and Epifaniy Dumenko.]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 28 Mar 2025 18:29:00 +0100</pubDate><category>News</category><content:encoded><![CDATA[A member of the Ministry of Culture’s commission tasked with examining the “historical and scientific value of the relics” in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences and Head of the Department of Vertebrate Biomorphology at the National University, Oleh Melnyk, has turned out to be the recipient of 16 awards, medals, and certificates from both the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate (UOC-KP) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). This was reported by Deacon Andriy Hlushchenko on his Facebook page.
In detail, Melnyk received:

2013 – Order of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (UOC-KP);
2014 – Order of St. George the Victorious (UOC-KP);
2014 – Order of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, 2nd Class (highest UOC-KP award);
2014 – Certificate of Distinction (UOC-KP);
2015 – Order of Christ the Savior (UOC-KP), Order of Prince Volodymyr, 3rd Class (UOC-KP);
2016 – Medal of Cyril and Methodius (UOC-KP);
2018 – Order of Prince Volodymyr, 2nd Class (UOC-KP);
2019 – Order of Prince Volodymyr, 1st Class (UOC-KP), Certificate of Distinction (OCU), Order of Archangel Michael, 2nd Class (OCU), Medal "For Sacrifice and Love for Ukraine" (OCU);
2020 – Order of Prince Volodymyr, 3rd Class (OCU), Medal of St. George the Victorious (OCU);
2021 – Distinction of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon (OCU), Order of Prince Volodymyr, 2nd Class (OCU).

Previously, the UOJ analyzed the government’s motives in appointing anatomists and veterinarians to examine the relics of the Pechersk saints.]]></content:encoded><guid>https://svazpn.cz/en/news/85623-veterinarian-on-relics-commission-revealed-to-hold-awards-from-ocu</guid></item></channel></rss>