Head of the Kremenets Reserve mocks Church’s Sacraments

Vasyl Ilchyshyn. Photo: facebook.com/wasyl.ilchyshyn

Acting Director of the Kremenets-Pochaiv State Historical and Architectural Reserve Vasyl Ilchyshyn made fun of the Sacraments of the Church.

Vasyl took selfies standing in the middle of the seized St Nicholas Church in Kremenets, accompanying his photo with the caption: "Today I was addressed with ‘Father Vasyl’! It somewhat stunned me and those around me at that moment but also made us think... Probably, there is already a 'professional deformation' on the 3rd month of work".

In comments under Ilchyshyn's publication, Oksana Hrytsiuta, an employee of the Odesa Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, wrote: "I would come to you for confession and communion." To which Ilchyshyn replied, "I have never refused you either the first or the second! Neither have you denied me!"

Later, when believers were outraged by Ilchyshyn's blasphemy, and the “Kozak 1” TV channel published their reaction, he replied that he "only rejoices in such publications".

He believes that "the Muscovites are turning out as if on a frying pan and the only thing they can do is to spit venom".

Addressing Hrytsiuta, Ilchyshyn wrote that "you probably did not even suspect that you would become a "stone of discord", the Eve who threw the apple. But that's cool! Wouldn't you agree?!".

The Acting Director of the Reserve believes that his blasphemy against the Sacraments of the Church is an "innocent joke" that "people with inflammation of the 'Orthodoxy of the brain' do not understand!"

"Victory is coming soon! And everything will be Ukraine!" he addressed his subscribers.

As reported, Vasyl Ilchyshyn said that he was happy to evict the students of the Kremenets School from the buildings and kicked out the St. Nicholas community of the UOC from the cathedral.

Read also

Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR

The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South

Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat

Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat. 

Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis

March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.

EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence

The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.

Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church

Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose

The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR

Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.