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The Ukrainian Orthodox Church, headed by His Eminence Metropolitan Onuphry, is a self-governing, canonical Orthodox Church on the territory of Ukraine. His Eminence is a native born Ukrainian, the same as the vast majority of his fellow UOC hierarchs, clergy, monastics, and parishioners. The UOC is the canonical Orthodox Church in Ukraine to which 70% of all Ukrainians belonged prior to the war.
The UOC, since the 2014 coup in Kiev, has faced severe and escalating persecution. This has included the forcible seizure of parishes, physical abuse of clergy and parishioners, arrest of clergy, desecration of icons and Churches, intentional targeting for military attacks, and more. Two laws have been proposed since 2016 that would outright ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church across the nation. Thanks be to God that neither of them has yet been enacted.
Recently the situation in Ukraine has gotten even worse. The Ukrainian government has organized searches of monasteries, churches, and diocesan administrations that have resulted in allegations of planting “pro-Russian” evidence. The Ukrainian Security Service has opened cases against hierarchs and clergy on the basis of trumped up charges. Local administrations continue to declare bans on the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Worst of all, President Zelensky issued a decree on December 1st that ordered:
- The National Security and Defense Council to instruct the government to submit a bill to Parliament within two months that would ban religious organizations “affiliated with centers of influence in the Russian Federation.”
- The State Service for Ethnopoiltics and Freedom of Conscience to examine within two months the statues of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church for any “church-canonical connection with the Moscow Patriarchate and, if necessary, to take measures provided for by law.”
- To verify within two months the legality of the presence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church at the Kiev Caves Lavra, which is owned by the Ukrainian state.
- All national security bodies to intensify their measures “to identify and counter the subversive activities of Russian special services in the religious environment of Ukraine.” Personal sanctions will be applied as necessary.
- The State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience must be reformed and placed under the direct authority of the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers “to really protect the rights and legitimate interests of Ukrainians and the state.”
President Zelensky ordered these actions, despite the fact that Elena Bogdan, the head of State Service for Ethnopolitics for Ukraine, confirmed that the statutes of the UOC adopted at the Council in May 2022 show no connection to the Russian Orthodox Church. Further, the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” has no need of the Kiev Caves Lavra, as they have only 50 monks in all of Kiev.
The Ukrainian Government is entirely supported by Western, primarily US, tax payer funds. Without NATO weapons, mercenaries, money, and logistical support – the Ukrainian Government would have no ability to either continue its war effort or persecute the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Regardless of how any of us feel about this war, our involvement makes us at least indirectly responsible for Christian persecution.
If we remain silent now, rest assured we will answer for that silence at the Dread Judgment Seat of Christ.
Please sign and share the petition below calling for the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, all Orthodox jurisdictions in the West, all official Orthodox Christian ministries and institutions of higher education, all human rights organizations, the Roman Catholic Church, all other Christian bodies of good will, and any other concerned organizations to immediately draft statements decrying the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and demanding its immediate cessation.
Christians in the West must speak with one voice – the persecution of a canonical Orthodox Church is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
Non-Orthodox Christians are also welcome to sign and show their support. Please indicate your church affiliation in the field asking for Jurisdiction / Denomination.
The signatures collected, after the close of the petition on 1/15/2023, will be forwarded to the Assembly of Bishops and to each canonical jurisdiction in the US, Canada, and Western Europe. The totals by jurisdiction and country will be sent to secular media, human rights organizations, Roman Catholic media channels, and published on social media.
This is your opportunity to stand up for fellow Orthodox Christians. Please do not let our fellow Christians suffer in silence. Sign the petition and share it as widely as you can.
Click the Read the Petition link below to read the text of the petition, or scroll to the very bottom where it is repeated, or click here to skip down to it.
Please Note: You will need to confirm your email address for your signature to count! After signing, please check your inbox.
We Demand an End to Christian Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
We are gathering signatures for this petition on our Orthodox Reflections Website, rather than on Change.org or competing sites. This is for two reasons. First, petition sites have been using gathered email addresses for fundraising – both directly and via resales of email lists. Orthodox Reflections does not fund raise, accept donations, or sell/share email addresses with any organization. (Anyone wishing to thank us for our work is encouraged to donate to support Orthodox missions.) Your email addresses and other information are secure with us. We will only use it for this purpose only. If you want to hear from us on a regular basis, that is up to you as you can opt-in for future mailings. Second, the petition sites support many causes which we, as Orthodox Christians, find unacceptable and do not wish to be associated with.
The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is the canonical church in Ukraine headed by Metropolitan Onuphry. Prior to the war, approximately 70% of the population of Ukraine belonged to the UOC. Ukrainians overwhelmingly supported their Church, despite having been subjected to politically motivated persecution for many years. The violations of human rights directed at Orthodox Christian in Ukraine have included: forcible seizure / closure of parishes, unlawful arrests, physical abuse, abusive searches of holy sites, desecrations of holy objects, intentional targeting of parishes and holy sites for military attack, and acts of physical intimidation. Recently, local governments have banned the Ukrainian Church from even operating in their areas. President Zelensky of Ukraine has threatened to make this ban nationwide.
We, the undersigned Orthodox Christians and allied Christians of good conscience, note three things. First, the situation in Ukraine is unjustified Christian persecution that violates all global norms. Second, the Ukrainian Government is wholly dependent on Western financial and military support for its continued existence. Therefore, Christians in the West bear a substantial responsibility to speak for the Ukrainian victims of persecution. Third, protests from official organizations matter more to those in power than collections of citizens. Therefore, we signers of this petition call upon the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America, all Orthodox jurisdictions in the West, all official Orthodox Christian ministries and institutions of higher education, all human rights organizations, the Roman Catholic Church, all other Christian bodies of good will, and any other concerned organizations to immediately draft statements decrying the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and demanding its immediate cessation.
We cannot be silent in the face of Christian persecution enabled by our own governments. Please join us in ending the persecution of the Body of Christ in Ukraine.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Dear Representatives of the International Community!
Thank you very much for your support of our UOC and your sympathy!
In Ukraine, the UOC continues to be persecuted… These terrible demons burn Holy books and Icons, throw Holy church items into the trash… This is all because of the godless policy of Zelensky and Poroshenko – the new Nero and Diocletian.
There is such an activist and YouTuber in Ukraine – Alexey STERNENKO. He ACTIVELY incited hatred and hostility towards the UOC among Ukrainians, calling the UOC a Russian branch of the FSB in Ukraine. Sternenko’s reputation is not very good. Rather, he has a criminal reputation. And he does NOT believe in God.
Please, read a little more about this RELIGIOUS CRIMINAL- STERNENKO, who must be TRIAL to the fullest extent of the law. After all, he incited HATRED towards the UOC in MILLIONS of Ukrainians. He is also a PERSECUTOR of the UOC!!! And please watch his videos in which he INSULTS and SLANDERS the UOC, as well as all our hierarchs, priests, monks and believers.
Serhii Viacheslavovych Sternenko is a Ukrainian activist and Youtuber. As of 2024, his You Tube channel has over 2.1 million subscribers. He is a former board member and head of the Odesa regional branch of Right Sector, a coalition of Right-wing groups that includes ultranationalist and far-right elements.
14:30 11.06.2020 (SBU)
Activist Sternenko served notice of suspicion for premeditated murder, cold weapons possession.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has notified activist Serhiy Sternenko of suspicion of premeditated murder and illegal possession of knives, the SBU press service said.
“Today, taking into account the materials of the case and the examinations, as agreed with the Prosecutor General’s Office, Sternenko was informed of a suspicion of a crime under Part 1 of Article 115 (intentional unlawful causing death to another person) and Part 2 of Article 263 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (carrying a cold weapon without permission provided by law),” the SBU press center said in a statement.
Also, in September 2015, a case was opened against Sternenko on suspicion of kidnapping.
In September 2015, criminal proceedings were initiated against Sternenko on suspicion of kidnapping in the spring of 2015 a deputy of the Kominternivka district council of the Odessa region, Serhiy Shcherbych.
In the end, it was in this case that Sternenko was sentenced on February 23, 2021 to 7 years and 3 months of imprisonment with confiscation of half of his property (!!!!!). The verdict concerns the case of the kidnapping of local deputy Serhiy Shcherbich. Sternenko was found guilty under articles: part 2 of art. 146, part 2 of art. 187 and part 1 of art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, but Serhiy was released from liability under the article on kidnapping due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Serhiy STERNENKO leads a video blog on YouTube, where he talks about events in Ukraine.
Please read the title of HIS videos with mud and slander on the UOC. You can turn on English subtitles on YouTube and watch the speeches of the satanist Sternenko against the UOC. What do you think – Sternenko is a criminal? I think, yes:
1.”Russians in panic over possible return of Lavra to Ukraine, while priests of UOC MP want to continue serving Russia In Lavra”
2.”Priests curse Ukraine, Pasha Mercedes threatens Zelensky. UOC MP blocks shrine In Kyiv”
3.”UOC MP used believers in the interests of Moscow and Medvedchuk”
4.”Moscow priests in Ukraine are spreading coronavirus and killing Ukrainians – STERNENKO ON ZVYAZKU”
5. “Will Ukraine finally ban UOC MP and return Lavra? It’s high time to close FSB branch”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWBSPSzsGMQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFR7MXOS9B0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRnnRy4AZI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otpxD6eRbZ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A3cBNSP33w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX_kMCU6yVQ
Please also watch several videos about the persecution of the UOC in Ukraine.
I HAVE NO WORDS!!! MY HEART BLEEDS BECAUSE OF THE PERSECUTION OF THE UOC!!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J-Pn53drxJU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq9yikkjnws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z64iCncg3V0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS_wTCU5B-Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TwmMJuL9kg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBhjolzI7jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4txOncmRk&t=8s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTUTT_X8gL4&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua3tffetHLU&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCeKUgmZQWE&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kterdZl6Ock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbxwIqg-o2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRTbLcRIoko&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fkcx-hb6cE
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T0K5fabHSps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy91sktnjM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2pEYE4vn5E
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HewJB8UQjDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A8HHqBr91s&t=27s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNm9t1zLxCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h04w70Jrj-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DqE_a3liw&t=4s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPw7J7LYUt0&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2sEGHgmVVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WvfxinlqtA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9JKJ7Kbkag&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZxDxgi3XFY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFhmp6Lm61Y&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO9I3L1K-BU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8NQfbk0l4M&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgGxOqqrDAI&t=346s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-qvwTXh7oM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6JpCjjOuso&t=2s
https://spzh.eu/ru/news/83406-zelenskij-ustroil-voennyj-zavtrak-v-trapeznom-khrame-lavry
https://spzh.eu/ru/news/83388-sud-ostavil-namestnika-svjatohorskoj-lavry-pod-strazhej-do- fevralya-2025-goda
https://spzh.eu/ru/uzniki-sovesti/mirovaya-reaktsiya/83250-amsterdam-zhurnalistam-upts-hrozit-pozhiznennoe-za-to-chto-oni-hovorjat-pravdu
Please share this information with other people. Let the whole world know about it!!! I thank you in advance!!
God bless you!!!
With LOVE in CHRIST!!!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
Dear representatives of the International Community!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
You know that the UOC is being persecuted in Ukraine. The persecution is very cruel. Ukrainian Goebbels propaganda media incites hatred among Ukrainians towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And by doing so they confirm their PARTICIPATION in the PERSECUTION OF THE UOC!!!! Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman are very well-known journalists and TV presenters in Ukraine, as well as a married couple. Maybe you have heard of them? If not, I will tell you a little about them.
They are also participating in the persecution of the UOC (Gordon is an atheist). They SPILLED SLANDER AND DIRT AGAINST OUR UOC, as well as our UOC hierarchs, especially Metropolitan Pavlo – the Rector of the Kiev-Pecherska Lavra. They called him terrible names, and they also called our UOC – “a RUSSIAN branch of the FSB in Ukraine”, which is a terrible lie!!! They called our priests and hierarchs – Russian FSB officers in cassocks, thereby inciting hatred towards them among Ukrainians!!!
Thus, the Gordon spouses (Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman) are also PERSECUTORS of the UOC. SHAME ON THEM!
Please watch these 2 videos in which Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman SLANDER and pour dirt on our UOC and our Metropolitan Pavlo. Please, turn on English subtitles on YouTube to watch these videos. Look how they have fun and how they MOCK at the UOC, which is under TERRIBLE BLOODY PERSECUTION in Ukraine.
This really horrifies me! They, in my opinion, like the journalist Vitaly Portnikov, are RELIGIOUS CRIMINALS!!!
God bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ and believer of the UOC
Avramenko Tetyana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqsEFcLpeb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtvosmzjD0I
Bancheny Monastery gives reason for Met Longin’s hospitalization
The monastery asks for holy prayers for the Metropolitan, who was taken away by ambulance.
During the regular court session on 30 October, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny became ill and asked for a break until tomorrow, reports the Bancheny Monastery on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that the judge refused the request of the metropolitan.
The channel of the monastery published photos in which Met Longin is given first aid right in the courtroom, and then he is carried on a stretcher to the ambulance.
“The consequence of today’s court session over Metropolitan Longin,” reads the message. “We ask for holy prayers!”
As the UOJ reported, earlier MP Artem Dmytruk on his Telegram-channel called for prayers for the health of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny, who was hospitalized after his physical state deteriorated during the court hearings.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82761-bancheny-monastery-gives-reason-for-met-longins-hospitalization
https://spzh.life/en/news/82758-after-court-hearings-met-longin-hospitalized-to-intensive-care-unit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNkHVbJDRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DqE_a3liw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n82yhA0rUaA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZUqyr0QWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN1T6cA-3cM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBXtyMkfYyk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEccIhTNevQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtTJ4dsLEP8&t=47s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UyA6Zhv6c8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgd2TNw7YoY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF3cjXZ0w0k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7i5FMiFWa4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaVFFOkuwV0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20R2y1tPG7Q
Dear brothers and sisters!
I thank all of you for supporting the UOC. God bless you!
In Ukraine, the brutal and bloody persecution of the UOC continues. OCU raiders continue to abuse believers and priests UOC with the support of the ukrainian authorities, the police and the SBU.
Please watch these videos. Among them is one of the video recordings of surveillance cameras that were located at the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy.
This recording records the night invasion of the OCU hired militants on the territory of the shrine on October 17. OCU cleric Nazarii Zasanskyi, who is easily recognizable even behind a mask, consults with the raiders on how best to break the video surveillance cameras:
“In short, the situation is as follows. The cameras show, although I disassembled 2 system cabinets. With the switches, with everything, I messed with it. And akuma, and supplementary feeding – I cut everything. The broadcast is going”, — reports one of the raiders.
They were very afraid that the cameras would record their crime. And the cameras recorded everything.
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7tn7Hq1op8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrQ3xFLMwBs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRTbLcRIoko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHXxnOlieCo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFZ0avdA5U&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeOquQnIPys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGhSrT5s-Y&t=22s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQZJniKwzfM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ichK5yJ98EQ&t=8s
Patriarch Bartholomew!
A monument to you was recently erected in Australia and you took a photo with it!!!
In Ukraine there is already a monument to the BLOODY TOMOS, which you provided to Ukraine by committing a TERRIBLE BLOODY CATASTROPHE AND SIN!!!
Patriarch Bartholomew, did you hear about the BLOODY ATTACK on the Cathedral in Cherkassy??? And did you see how they beat Metropolitan Theodosius? How do you feel about this??? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?? Do you sleep peacefully?
After all, your great guilt is that in Ukraine the satanic Ukrainian government is PERSECUTING the UOC!!! Did you see the BLOODY RAIDER SEIZURES OF UOC TEMPLES??? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS??? What will you say at God’s Judgment before God?? Do you still consider yourself a Christian?? Do you really consider yourself an Orthodox patriarch? Are you worthy of being called a Christian??
Watch these videos where you can see how these demons beat Metropolitan Theodosius, who a few days ago addressed you, Patriarch Bartholomew, regarding this BLOODY CRIME – one of the most terrible events in the history of the Orthodox Church!!!!!
Tetyana Avramenko
(UOC believer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtv7X6N5t9A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoSmgTsbnPs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-h7wUXhYg&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J3EkzbgXzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL4ZxHPj8aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsS_EvV-_Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGara-L3nWE
Take action here: https://savetheuoc.com/
https://spzh.live/en/news/82568-metropolitan-theodosiy-diagnosed-with-concussion
Metropolitan Theodosiy diagnosed with concussion
According to the Cherkasy Eparchy, over 10 parishioners from the cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity following the recent events.
On October 19, 2024, it became known that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv was diagnosed with a concussion after being beaten by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) during the seizure of the Cathedral, as reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
“During the forceful seizure of the Cathedral in Cherkasy, Metropolitan Theodosiy was among the injured. He has been diagnosed with a concussion, first-degree corneal burns in both eyes, and burns on his skin,” the press service stated.
Metropolitan Theodosiy is currently prescribed treatment and strict bed rest.
The diocese also reported that “more than 10 parishioners of the Cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity, and several dozen are receiving outpatient treatment.”
The press service urged people to “not trust the disinformation from ‘honest’ media claiming that no believers were hospitalized and that the parishioners of the Cathedral attempted to ‘seize’ the church from themselves.”
“Trust common sense and your own eyes, as there are numerous photo and video testimonies of this brutal bloody crime against the faithful citizens of Ukraine,” the diocese wrote.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU is demanding stricter detention measures for Metropolitan Theodosiy.
Cherkasy Cathedral seized, what’s next?On 17 October 2024, supporters of the OCU seized the Cathedral in Cherkasy. How can events unfold, and what could this mean for the Church?
A complete chronology of the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is presented here: “Faith against violence: Chronicle of the UOC cathedral seizure in Cherkasy”. It is worth paying attention to several key points that will determine the future developments in Cherkasy and Ukraine as a whole.
Government favoritismThe takeover took place with full approval from the authorities, and most likely at their direct instruction. The Telegram channel “Resident”, citing an anonymous source in the Office of the President, reported that orders were given to seize cathedrals in UOC eparches. Local authorities had long expressed anti-church rhetoric. Many regional and city councils had passed decisions at their sessions to ban the UOC’s activities in their territories or had appealed to the Verkhovna Rada to enforce such a ban nationwide.
The mayor of Cherkasy, Anatoliy Bondarenko, openly expressed his intentions to transfer St. Michael’s Cathedral to the OCU and, a few days before, published an actual announcement of the seizure on Instagram. Moreover, between the first (unsuccessful) and second (successful) attempts to seize the cathedral, the mayor made a public appeal, de facto calling on OCU supporters to come and back the activists’ actions to take over the temple.
Several months ago, the UOJ suggested that failures on the front would push the authorities to intensify persecution of the UOC to distract public attention from their own erroneous decisions and redirect popular anger toward someone else. The Church is an ideal target for such manipulations: peaceful, defenceless, and willing to endure and forgive everything. Christ made the Church this way, and it must remain so, no matter what. Otherwise, it would cease to be the Church.
As early as 64 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero, needing to deflect blame from himself for the burning of Rome, pointed to Christians as the arsonists and staged a public, bloody reprisal against them to satisfy the wrath of the crowd. The same is happening today. In recent days, to the difficult situation on the front, a diplomatic failure of the so-called “Zelensky’s Victory Plan” has been added. Leading Western countries effectively denied the President of Ukraine key conditions of the plan: NATO membership and permission to strike deep into Russia. All these negative news stories for the authorities need to be compensated for and done so loudly. That’s why the targets were not simple parish churches, but cathedrals. Soon after the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, there was an attempt to seize the cathedral in Kremenchuk.
Inaction of law enforcementIn a constitutional state, which Ukraine is according to its Constitution, the law enforcement system should not be guided by political motives. Its role is to ensure strict adherence to the law and hold offenders accountable. In this case, there was a large-scale, blatant and completely unmasked violation of the law. This included physical violence, the use of firearms (or something resembling them), illegal entry into a building, robbery, threats, incitement of religious hatred, and much more. Yet law enforcers calmly observed these crimes and, not only did they do nothing, but according to eyewitnesses, they even facilitated these actions in certain ways. The seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is a violation of multiple Ukrainian laws and an infringement on basic rights and freedoms. However, there was almost no response from law enforcement.
Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy stated that the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral will defend their rights in court. This is the right course of action, but based on the experience of court proceedings related to the UOC, it is difficult to expect a fair trial. Just consider the persecution of UOJ journalists, who have been imprisoned for over six months merely for reporting the news. Time and again, courts have granted the absurd and immoral requests of prosecutors and investigators. This proves that Ukraine does not have an independent judiciary, as is also enshrined in the Constitution, and there is no opportunity for Ukrainian citizens to exercise their right to an independent, public and fair trial.
This indicates that while the authorities verbally commit to the path of European integration, in practice they are doing everything possible to prevent this integration from happening, distancing Ukraine further and further from European human rights standards and democratic principles of state and society. There are many statements from those in power claiming that Ukraine is not Russia – that we have democracy, while they have authoritarianism; that we have human rights, while they have the dominance of security forces. But in reality, the policy of the Ukrainian authorities is becoming increasingly similar to that of our adversary. We are adopting their authoritarian methods of governance, prioritizing political expediency over law and human rights, and shaping the state and society according to the same templates as the Russian Federation. In the end, this could lead to Ukraine’s defeat, because a democratic, legal state can defeat a large authoritarian country, but a small authoritarian state can never defeat a large authoritarian state.
Cruelty of attackersJudging by footage recoreded by eyewitnesses during the seizure, the attackers were given full carte blanche for any violence. They fired shots, sprayed tear gas on the faithful and brutally beat them, showing no concern for whom they struck. It’s important to note how harshly and skillfully they beat people – these are individuals who clearly know how to fight and do it often. The conclusion is obvious: these were militants, specially brought in and likely paid to do the dirty work.
This style strongly resembles the “titushky” from Yanukovych’s era. If the authorities want to do something outside the law, they turn to people like this. However, by doing so, they undermine the very foundation of the state, one of which is the government’s monopoly on legitimate violence. When the authorities allow such violence to be carried out by non-state actors operating outside the law, they destroy the state. If this is not stopped, Ukraine could descend into lawlessness, where power belongs to whoever can attract more “titushky” than their opponent.
The only way to resist such methods is through prayer and a willingness to sacrifice. The option of deploying strong young men from the faithful to confront these militants carries the risk of turning a situation where the Church defends its rights legally into a conflict between two groups equally breaking the law. Perhaps, this is exactly what the ideologists behind these church seizures want. Hiring legal security firms to protect UOC churches may be useful, but it’s clear that against such large-scale and well-organized operations like the seizure of the Cherkasy cathedral, this won’t help.
Steadfastness of believersAnother, and perhaps the most important, aspect of this event is that the St. Michael’s Cathedral community did not split into supporters and opponents of joining the OCU; nearly the entire community remained faithful to the Holy Church. The claims by Mayor A. Bondarenko and others that the community voted to transfer to the OCU are lies with no basis in reality. Everyone saw that the cathedral was seized not by believers or community members, but by strong men in balaclavas under the direction of OCU “priest” Nazariy Zasansky. Will they pray in this cathedral after the seizure? Will they maintain and repair it with their own funds? It’s laughable, isn’t it? Not to mention where the $60,000 and 80,000 hryvnias, which parishioners raised for restoration and a bell, will go – funds that were stolen during the seizure. Certainly not for their intended purpose.
If the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral, or at least part of it, had agreed to transfer to the OCU, they would have peacefully continued praying in the cathedral, with no one expelling them, threatening them or beating them. For Metropolitan Theodosiy, a move to the OCU would mean the closing of all criminal cases and a quiet life. For the priests, it would mean retaining their places of service and their corresponding incomes. But they chose suffering and faithfulness to God over peace and prosperity. The Apostle Paul wrote about this when he said that the prophet Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26). It is in this “looking ahead to the reward” that the faithful must draw their strength. Today we are persecuted, humiliated and slandered; our churches are taken, and we are accused of lacking patriotism. But was not all this done to Christ by His own people? Did the apostles of Christ not endure all this? Have not the martyrs and all true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the same?
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’” (Matthew 16:24-27).
What’s next?There were very few parishes in the UOC where the majority wanted to join the OCU, and they moved to the OCU quietly and peacefully. Most did so without their priests, as the clergy showed great steadfastness in their faith. There were a few more communities where opinions were divided, and these transferred to the OCU amid conflict and resistance. The faithful who remained with the Church formed their own community. Then there were more cases where one or two “Judas” stirred up trouble, agitating the faithful, involving the public misled by propaganda and bringing in activists to seize the church. In some cases, they succeeded. But as of today, it’s safe to say that all those who wanted to join the OCU have already done so. The Church is purified during times of persecution, and this cleansing is largely complete. Long before the creation of the OCU, there was a saying that roughly one in twelve Christians is a “Judas”. In this current phase of persecution, the percentage of “Judases” in the UOC has proven to be much smaller. Despite criminal cases, threats, imprisonments, attacks by militants, and much more, not a single bishop (except for Drabinko and Shostatsky, who left the UOC at the very beginning) has wanted to join the OCU project. There have been no mass transfers of communities or, especially, of the clergy.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that going forward, if current trends continue, no one will join the OCU. This doesn’t mean there won’t be more church seizures – those will certainly continue. The UOC will likely lose more cathedrals and churches, but “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” (Acts 17:24).
God lives in human hearts, and only a person can drive Him out. If someone harbours malice, hatred or resentment in their heart, God will not dwell there. We won’t even talk about the militants and church raiders, but if the faithful, those who defend their churches and shrines, allow themselves to feel ungodly emotions or thoughts, they will indeed suffer a spiritual defeat. “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold…” (Matt. 24:12). This is what we must fear and prevent. If we have love, no matter what happens, we are with God, we are in the Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
Metropolitan Theodosiy called the cathedral’s community to gather in homes for services. This is what will happen, and in God’s eyes, it will still be the same community, the same Church as when services were held in the cathedral.
Even if things are much simpler and poorer on the outside, the prayers will be even more fervent, the cry to God even more piercing, and the faith even more firm. Today, the St. Michael’s Cathedral community is facing hardship, just as Christians who lost their churches faced hardship yesterday, and as those who lose theirs tomorrow will also face. But they can be comforted with these words: “They took your cathedral—build a cathedral in your heart! Cleanse it of sin, of vain thoughts, of feelings unworthy of God! Invite the Spirit of God there: ‘Come and dwell in us…’ And you will see that what happened on 17 October and before to other churches, and what may happen in the future, was not a loss but a gain for you.”
https://spzh.live/en/zashhita-very/82577-cherkasy-cathedral-seized-whats-next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuAz4Yru4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80E53V7hVWU&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suABfPlpTAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrR235YTus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dwJ-rkeaQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAbVa3HzDlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6JpCjjOuso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xkqCnmfkxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDpEIBR-o4&t=2s
Met. Theodosiy after seizure: “Behold, your house is left to you desolate”Metropolitan Theodosiy addressed the faithful after the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy.
On October 17, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv addressed the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) following the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy by radicals. During the assault, tear gas was used, which, as seen in the video, appeared to cause vision problems for the Metropolitan. Despite the challenges, he urged the faithful to remain steadfast and expressed confidence that the church would once again be filled with grace when the believers could return.
“Brothers and sisters! We did everything we could. We tried to defend our cathedral from the bandits. Unfortunately, against such force, there is no recourse. Thus, our shrine has been seized, albeit illegally,” said Metropolitan Theodosiy.
He mentioned that the UOC would appeal to the courts regarding the situation with the cathedral, noting that seeking justice would be difficult due to the political situation: “Of course, we will try to seek the truth in court, but knowing how these matters are currently resolved here, with purely political considerations, there is little hope.”
The UOC hierarch also reminded the faithful that their spiritual connection with the church remains, even if they have temporarily lost access to the sanctuary, quoting the Gospel, “Behold, your house is left to you desolate.”
“Along with us, divine grace departs from the cathedral. Along with us, the protection and help of Archangel Michael and the holy martyr Macarius depart.” He urged the faithful not to lose hope and to remain confident that the faithful of the UOC would surely return there.
Addressing those who were injured during the assault, the Metropolitan gave practical advice on dealing with injuries. He spoke of priests with knocked-out teeth, fractures, and possible concussions: “Brothers and sisters, all who have suffered today, seek medical help and take care of yourselves. The Lord will surely reward each of you according to the strength of your faith and your desire to defend the Church.”
Metropolitan Theodosiy also noted that if church raids continue, the faithful will be compelled to pray underground: “Stay in touch with your priests, gather in apartments, homes, attics, basements, and we will pray and hold Divine Liturgies underground.” In conclusion, the UOC hierarch blessed everyone, calling for unity and prayer: “The Lord is with us, the Mother of God is with us, Archangel Michael is with us, and the holy martyr Macarius will never abandon us!”
As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, unidentified men in camouflage uniforms seized the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy on their second attempt.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82549-met-theodosiy-after-seizure-behold-your-house-is-left-to-you-desolate
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflections and the International Community!
Thank you for all that you do to support and protect the UOC. God bless you!
Please read this terrible information about what happened in Cherkassy!!! This is one of the most terrible events that took place during the persecution of the UOC by the satanic authorities of Zelensky and Poroshenko. Zelensky and Poroshenko have become the new Nero and Diocletian – some of the most brutal torturers and persecutors of Christians!!!
Please watch these videos. You can turn on English subtitles on YouTube. Please spread this information and tell everyone about these terrible events in Ukraine.
With love in Christ!
God bless you!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
_______________________________________________________________________
Raiders in Cherkassy opened fire on UOC believers
Parishioners were gassed, beaten, and shot with a pistol.
On the night of October 17, 2024, at about 3 a.m., about 100 people in camouflage and balaclavas broke into the territory of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy. The invaders tried to take the temple by force. When a group of UOC believers, led by Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, arrived at the scene, they organized the defense of the cathedral. However, people in camouflage opened fire with a gas pistol on parishioners. The attack was filmed on video, which shows how the invaders continued to shoot at believers while trying to escape. Despite the aggression of the OCU supporters, the believers managed to defend the temple, but a few hours later the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy was seized.
26 people were injured during the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy, - medical service
12 people were hospitalized. During the violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy and the confrontation between paramilitary individuals against the clergy and believers of the UOC on October 17, dozens of people were injured. This was reported in a commentary to the local publication “18000” by the head of the Cherkassy emergency medical care Igor Fesun. He said that 14 victims were examined on an outpatient basis, another 12 were hospitalized.
Among the main injuries are burns of the mucous membranes from pepper spray, as well as several fractures.
In Cherkassy, Metropolitan Feodosiy was hospitalized after the seizure of the UOC cathedral Stormtroopers attacked the bishop and beat him.
On October 17, the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy was seized by unknown persons in camouflage on the second attempt. Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, who arrived to support the believers and help defend the temple, was attacked and hit on the head. He was also sprayed with tear gas. After the cathedral was stormed, the bishop addressed the believers and blessed them to leave the shrine and gather for prayer in private homes, and to seek medical attention for injuries sustained.
Many believers have vision problems from tear gas, and there are also concussions.
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https://spzh.life/en/news/82543-medical-service-26-people-were-injured-during-the-cherkasy-cathedral-raid
https://spzh.life/en/news/82534-metropolitan-theodosiy-hospitalized-after-uoc-cathedral-seizure-in-cherkasy
https://spzh.life/en/news/82542-uoc-chancellor-we-are-with-met-theodosiy-and-his-flock-with-all-our-hearts
https://spzh.life/en/news/82530-unknown-individuals-in-camouflage-seize-cherkasy-cathedral-on-the-second-try
https://spzh.life/en/news/82529-raiders-in-cherkasy-open-fire-on-uoc-believers
https://spzh.life/en/news/82539-amsterdam-urges-ukraines-partners-to-condemn-seizure-of-cherkasy-cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bD1Ypnzce4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQ1YLQOsvg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRo7l_Bn9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0K5fabHSps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRERG9Sq_2M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8QNWgAEyM
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/arzygPS13XQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFuZnzvGSwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roa_jN0GI0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8pabKLcEdY&t=207s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3cDITNDKtA&t=41s
The family of the UOC priest with his wife and four CHILDREN are kicked out into the street!!!! The priest’s well was poisoned and the CRIMINALS cut off the electricity. This is the kind of SPIRITUAL INDEPENDENCE that the Ukrainian authorities are telling everyone??? Shame on the Ukrainian authorities!!!!
Metropolitan Longin
We are waiting for the entire Chernivtsi region to help us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-1ICtCz8Bc
Metropolitan Longin to Zelensky: Release my son from TRC
05 October 07:15
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny addressed an appeal to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
On October 4, 2024, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny recorded a video appeal to President Zelensky, demanding his help in securing the release of his son, who was forcibly mobilized by TRC officials.
In his address, the metropolitan explained that his son, who was abducted by the TRC officers, has two young children, and his wife is nine months pregnant and is expected to give birth to their third child soon.
Metropolitan Longin believes that the actions of the TRC officials have nothing to do with Ukrainian law.
Later that same day, despite his own health problems, the metropolitan arrived at the building of the Chernivtsi TRC to demand his son’s release.
He described the actions of the TRC representatives, who “mobilized” the father of two children, as inhumane and promised to remain outside the TRC building until his son’s release is secured.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that two UOC priests were abducted by TRC officers in Zakarpattia. However, due to the active stance of UOC believers who demanded the release of the clergy, they were later freed.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82360-metropolitan-longin-to-zelensky-release-my-son-from-trchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPvnmg20O4s
https://spzh.live/en/news/82401-mp-trc-officers-abducted-another-uoc-priest-in-kyiv
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjYkNACSUqUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OipUyI-8oyI&t=21s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOK8IkqFkA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6o_NgzjZ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAh58-B91i4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqBt2c5_YLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWlCokXp3Uk&t=1s
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Thank you for everything! For your support of the UOC and your prayers! May the Lord bless all of you!
In Ukraine, the godless government continues to persecute priests and believers of the UOC. The biggest problem for the BLOODY Bolshevik demon Zelensky is the existence of the Church of Christ – the UOC!!! Now he asks the BLOODY Patriarch Bartholomew to give the schismatics of the OCU the status of a Patriarchate (!!!!!). What our government is doing to Metropolitan Arseniy – is REAL TORTURE!!!
The SBU (SSU), like demons, persecutes the UOC!!! The raider seizures of UOC churches by OCU schismatics are intensifying with the full support of the security forces and the government!!!
The churches of UOC have been burned!!! UKRAINIAN GOEBBELS-MEDIA, which works for Zelensky and Poroshenko, constantly slander and throw mud at the UOC!!! Priests and monks – are sent to the TCC to fight with weapons in their hands at the front!!!! Is this humane???? What is this satanist Zelensky and his predecessor Poroshenko doing with the UOC together with the SBU security forces and the police???? Previously, the first Christians were thrown into the arena to be eaten by lions! Now similar things are happening in Ukraine in relation to the UOC!!! THE UKRAINIAN AUTHORITIES DO NOT CONSIDER THE PRIESTS AND PARISHIONERS OF THE UOC AS PEOPLE AT ALL!!! THEY ARE TREATED LIKE ANIMALS!!!
Please turn on English subtitles on YouTube and watch these videos. Please tell everyone about these terrible events in Ukraine.
God bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FICLy1rfM3M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtuzXYR64fc
https://spzh.live/en/news/82147-zelensky-confirms-that-he-urged-phanar-to-grant-patriarchate-status-to-ocu
https://spzh.live/en/news/82127-ocu-supported-by-local-authorities-seize-last-uoc-church-in-irpin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fPK_eyBvs4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Mb0HZg26Lo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAejzBZ100U
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TlsVc7UC_Y0&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYDNzOoVA_k
MP: In Zakarpattia, TCC employees abduct two UOC priests
Hundreds of people are gathering near the Khust TCC.
On September 22, after the Divine Liturgy, representatives of the Military Recruitment Office (TCC) in Zakarpattia abducted two priests of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), according to Ukrainian MP Artem Dmytruk in his Telegram channel.
According to Dmytruk, “Father Vasyl from the Khust diocese and Father Stepan from the Odesa diocese were grabbed and shoved into a van.”
“During the abduction, these brutes used force against the priests, took their phones, and turned them off. There is no contact with them, and their relatives don’t know their condition or whereabouts. The wife of one of the clergymen is pregnant! It’s known that the priests were driven around the entire Zakarpattia region for no clear reason,” the MP reported.
He added that currently, hundreds of people are gathering near the Khust Military Recruitment Office, blocking roads, including intercity highways. Local residents are helping the believers by providing transportation.
“Gather, come! The only way to protect citizens from these criminals and their attacks is by uniting. What they fear most is ordinary people!” he urged.
Dmytruk noted that he is writing a parliamentary appeal regarding the situation.
Earlier, it was reported that the Uzhhorod Military Recruitment Office had mobilized the abbot of a monastery in Zakarpattia.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82158-mp-in-zakarpattia-tcc-employees-abduct-two-uoc-priests
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc7o9tOKEw4&lc=UgyJv85O3HWnRQemIAt4AaABAg.A8h4vISLmAeA8h8nvueYJe
Raiders in camouflage seize UOC church in Pryutivka
Fire extinguishers and gas canisters were used against the priests and believers of the UOC.
On August 31, a group of raiders in camouflage uniforms cut the locks and stormed the territory of the Church of Great Martyr George the Victorious of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Pryutivka, Kirovohrad region. According to Metropolitan Boholep of Oleksandria and Svitlovodsk, who was present at the scene, the attackers used tear gas and fire extinguishers against Orthodox Christians.
The raiders barricaded themselves inside the holy site and refused to allow parishioners and clergy to enter the church.
Footage published by the Dozor_kozak1 Telegram channel shows the cynical behavior of the raiders. A fire extinguisher was used against the priest, and then a woman in camouflage began joyfully filming him with a phone camera.
Despite the church belonging to the UOC parish and ongoing court cases concerning document falsifications by activists of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), the police acted in favor of the criminals.
While believers were praying near the fence, the raiders were desecrating the church.
“Our people saw them through the windows running around the church… They were walking around with some drinks and showing disrespect towards the House of God. We don’t know what will happen to our property, the antimension, and we ask for your prayers so that our holy site is not desecrated, and that such cynical and unspiritual behavior is stopped,” said Metropolitan Boholep, who also requested prayers for the St. George community.
As UOJ reported earlier, Baummeister addressed the OCU noting that “the City of God cannot be taken through raiding or laws of the Verkhovna Rada.”
https://youtu.be/ULCjTyh5GTk?si=K5DLroBuc_0cAEsk
https://youtu.be/-mwFp5FQ52A?si=tajO4qZMHaQ1YHAp
https://spzh.live/en/news/81890-raiders-in-camouflage-seize-uoc-church-in-pryutivka
Dear brothers and sisters!
The Ukrainian authorities and security forces began to persecute the UOC more harshly after Zelenskyi signed the anti-Christian Law 8371 on the ban of the UOC in Ukraine on August 24, 2024 (Ukrainian Independence Day). This Law violates freedom of religion, freedom of speech and human rights, which is absolutely unacceptable. This Law is not from God, but from the devil and his servants – demons.
Raiders in military uniform, who invaded the territory of the St. George Church of the UOC in the village of Priyutivka on August 31, 2024 used force against the clergy of the church.
During the attack of these terrible godless people, it was recorded that they used fire extinguishers against the abbot and parishioners of the church.
The raiders injured the clergyman, but the police remained completely inactive.
The law enforcement officers, who were actually covering the criminals, refused to take the tear gas canisters from the raiders. According to evidence from this scene, gas was also used against believers.
During the whole time, together with the invaders were present schismatics of the OCU (“clerics” of the OCU) who supported these criminal activities.
God bless you!!!
With Love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://youtu.be/e_x5kAOGBUs?si=L6IBE82ngCv-2fvu
https://youtu.be/K95iXBGrTMc?si=E6e_xHEuW-4w_6_2
https://youtu.be/vJYLplcmoFE?si=jVObuFOwND_1K6NN
https://youtu.be/vJYLplcmoFE?si=jVObuFOwND_1K6NN
https://youtu.be/4M5etN6VFuE?si=QAuhuUyACn1sS3sd
https://youtu.be/0cqF1bILiu8?si=srvI-myAnVX7bnRw
https://youtube.com/shorts/H7czpjksd5A?si=clebEUdYkgks6sU6
https://youtube.com/shorts/CcjGLp4Pud4?si=MgycWNVDsLbsyyyu
https://youtu.be/uQv_aHz47Ck?si=sRevUTzCt31Zalae
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Please watch these videos…I have no words ..
With Love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://youtu.be/_N7KancbCfY?si=bnlyMIqElIDYN9wR
https://youtube.com/shorts/asAGUf5KECE?si=Hb-k3d1ES5SJr3dL
https://youtu.be/Z4Y5o-LIyuU?si=yoJXmcbPv80dmnjr
https://youtu.be/Fkq9jRCkvNg?si=7tOQTcL4vPNot7tQ
https://youtu.be/XnkK144DnXU?si=bUbotD5YSoTZGwG-
https://youtu.be/Zu3pNycBjT0?si=dH16C3jd5_nrVAUx
https://youtu.be/FgFMIbCyVcE?si=_cbVyaop6v3LB1Kap
https://youtu.be/5oQ2FUPgIhY?si=Tx-5pFBlWNpQK9c1
https://youtu.be/MSUGyRXBbTM?si=ELIh5SLLEvXCOGav
https://youtu.be/Fmscp-4VXKg?si=Uhrp6SattOXv1lua
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada deputies voted to adopt Law 8371 on the ban of the UOC…. They declared war to God!
But it is IMPOSSIBLE to ban God! And the last word will be Christ’s!
The words from the Orthodox Symbol of Faith come to my mind:
“..CRUCIFIED for us under Pontius Pilate, and SUFFERED, and was buried.
And RISEN (!!!!!!!) on the third day according to the Scriptures….”
CHRIST IS RISEN!!!
“…РАСПЯТОГО же за ны при Понти́йстем Пила́те, и СТРАДАВША, и погребе́нна.
И ВОСКРЕСШЕГО (!!!!!!!) в тре́тий день по Писа́нием….”
ХРИСТОС ВОСКРЕСЕ!!!
God bless you!!!
With Love in Christ!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana AVRAMENKO
PS. Please watch these videos
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VRU Parliamentary Committee supports final version of Bill 8371
16 August 12:34
The bill has been renamed and is now titled “Protection of the Constitutional Order”.
Members of Parliament Volodymyr Vyatrovych and Iryna Herashchenko announced that the Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine had supported the final version of Bill 8371, which aims to ban the activities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. They shared this information on their social media.
Herashchenko mentioned that the next plenary week will begin with the consideration of this bill in the session hall.
Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, MP Yevheniya Kravchuk, stated in an interview with Interfax that the bill had been renamed.
“The Committee unanimously recommended adopting the bill in the second reading and in general. Amendments for the second reading were discussed and supported. One of the key changes is the new title of the bill – ‘On the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the Activities of Religious Organizations,'” Kravchuk noted.
Kravchuk emphasized that the MPs also agreed on the timeline for the law’s entry into force: it will come into effect 30 days after publication, with the exception of two points. The first point concerns the start of the preparation of normative acts by the Cabinet of Ministers, which will begin the day after publication.
As reported by the UOJ, President Zelensky urged the Rada to convene and resolve the issue of “spiritual independence”.
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Zelensky: Law 8371 will enhance unity and spiritual solidarity
16 August 22:21
The President stated that the Council of Churches had approved the initiative on “spiritual independence”.
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he held a meeting with members of the Council of Churches and Religious Organizations and thanked them for supporting the course towards “spiritual independence”. He made this announcement in his video address on August 16.
“A draft law has been submitted to the Verkhovna Rada; it can actually guarantee that there will be no manipulation of the Ukrainian Church by Moscow. This draft law should work and contribute to the unity of Ukraine, our true spiritual unity,” Zelensky stated.
As the UOJ previously reported, the President had earlier urged the Rada to convene and resolve the issue of “spiritual independence”.
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