Chernihiv authorities give Transfiguration Cathedral seized from UOC to OCU
The director of the Ancient Chernihiv Reserve, Lisovyi, tells OCU supporters that they are "true Ukrainians". Photo: V. Nazarenko's Facebook
On December 25, 2023, the Ancient Chernihiv Reserve, which expelled the UOC community from the Transfiguration Cathedral in October, granted access to the OCU. A “Christmas service” was conducted in the cathedral by OCU "Bishop" Antoniy Firley and his assistants, reports Suspilne.
According to the source, the UOC community also attempted to enter the cathedral but was not allowed in. During the “service”, Firley stated that this was a “historic event happening for the first time in 300 years.” However, Andriy Lisovyi, the director of the reserve, disagreed, reminding that during the Nazi occupation in 1942, services were held here in Ukrainian by the Ukrainian Autonomous Orthodox Church.
The head of the reserve expressed confidence that “many people” would have wanted to attend the OCU service, but “we held an intimate service to avoid endangering Ukrainians during wartime.”
He stated that he was very proud of the event, as “we managed to reclaim this majestic cathedral from the spiritual occupation of the Russian world.” He also thanked those present, calling them “true Ukrainians.” Whether the UOC community members expelled from the cathedral were considered “not true Ukrainians,” Lisovyi did not specify.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that under the pretext of “restoration” the Ministry of Culture had seized three cathedrals in Chernihiv from the UOC.
Read also
Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist
When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice
Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack
"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas
Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Atho
Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.
The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon
In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.
Trump and Zelensky Meet Before Pope Francis' Funeral in the Vatican
The meeting lasted about 15 minutes and focused on achieving peace in Ukraine.
In Wales, Muslim Teenagers Set Fire to Christian Church
The two teenagers, recent arrivals from Pakistan, were arrested on suspicion of arson.