A new temple consecrated in Peski built to replace the one seized by OCU

The consecration of the temple in vlg Peski was led by Archbishop Nathanael. Photo: pravoslavna.volyn.ua

On October 3, 2021, Archbishop Nathanael (Krikota) of Volyn and Lutsk performed the rite of great consecration of the church in honor of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in the village of Peski of the Berestechko Deanery, where the UOC community survived the seizure of their church by supporters of the OCU, the press service of the Volyn diocese reports.

After consecration, Vladyka Nathanael officiated the first Divine Liturgy in a new church.

The hierarch was co-served by the Dean of the Berestechko District, Archpriest Dmitry Petrushchak, the rector of the local church, Archpriest Bogdan Khristinets, the head of the Eparchy’s Office, Archimandrite Paisiy (Khomich), the clergy of the diocese and guests in the priesthood.

With the blessing of His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry, Vladyka awarded the rector of the church with the right to serve the Divine Liturgy with the Royal Doors open until the Cherubim Song.

During the worship, special prayers were offered for peace in Ukraine and the unity of Orthodoxy, as well as for an end to the coronavirus epidemic.

After the service, Archbishop Nathanael addressed the believers with a welcoming speech. Vladyka also rewarded the parishioners and Andrei Biba, who had contributed to the construction of the church. The patron, hated by the radicals for his help in the construction of temples for the UOC communities affected by raiding, was awarded the medal of the Volyn Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.

As the UOJ reported, on February 16, a group of activists, a local minister of the UOC-KP Vladimir Kurchin, and residents of neighboring Berestechko seized the UOC temple in the village of Peski. Contrary to the statements about the transfer to the OCU, the Orthodox community in the village has survived. Believers performed divine services in the repurposed garage of their rector a temple and then built a new temple.

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