“Non-Christian resource”: OCU verbally dissociates itself from “E-Church”

"Bishop" Simeon Zinkevych and employee of the "E-Church" Oleg Rashchupkin (right). Photo: Dnipro Diocese of the OCU

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has distanced itself from the internet resource "E-Church," which offers online services such as virtual candles, notes, liturgies, and blessings for a fee.

On the Facebook page of the Dnipropetrovsk Diocese of the OCU, the "E-Church" resource was described as non-Christian, and it was stated that "our diocese, in particular, no religious community and no clergyman, has nothing to do with the 'E-Church' portal, as well as its development and content."

However, it's worth noting that a cleric from the diocese, Father Oleh Rashchupkin, is featured in video materials on the "E-Church" platform. Furthermore, all the filming for "E-Church" takes place in his church, the Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Kryvyi Rih.

There is no information available regarding Rashchupkin's dismissal or any ban on his activities within the OCU. In August 2022, his church was visited by the "ruling bishop," Simeon Zinkevich, as reported on the diocesan website. Although the news article about the visit is no longer accessible on the official diocesan website, copies of it can still be found via internet search.

As previously reported by the UOJ, an "E-Church" service was created within the OCU, offering online candles for a fee of 100 UAH.

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