Khmelnytskyi Eparchy to Dumenko: There is no “voluntary unity” but raids

Divine Liturgy in the St. Nicholas Church of the UOC Khmelnytskyi. Photo: press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy

The press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has responded on its telegram channel to recent statements made by Serhiy Dumenko, which were made in the seized Holy Intercession Cathedral of the UOC.

In the diocese, they noted that voluntary transitions to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) "indeed took place, but they were isolated cases." However, they also pointed out that the so-called "unity" is not based on voluntary choices but rather occurs through hostile takeovers of UOC temples by OCU supporters. They cited the empty UOC temples and the cessation of active parish life and charitable projects as evidence that UOC faithful do not wish to change their religious affiliation. They specifically mentioned the Kazan and St. George's churches in Khmelnytskyi as examples.

Previously, these churches held two liturgies on holidays, where people prayed for Ukraine's victory and its defenders, and nearly five hundred believers received Holy Communion. Today, these churches stand empty, the press service noted.

At the same time, UOC services continue to attract large congregations. For instance, on the Feast of the Protection of the Theotokos at the St. Nicholas Church in Khmelnytskyi, over a thousand believers gathered.

According to the press service, the "success" of raider seizures of UOC temples demonstrates that Ukraine's religious sphere is currently not governed by the fundamental laws of the state meant to ensure and protect every citizen's right to choose their religion freely. They hope that this situation is temporary and that eventually, every lawbreaker will be held accountable for their unlawful actions.

As the UOjJ reported earlier, Serhiy Dumenko, speaking in the seized Holy Intercesion Cathedral in Khmelnytskyi, had stated that eventually, all Ukrainians would be in the OCU, whether they wanted it or not.

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