UOC spokesman on prayer standing: We're majority, authorities must hear us

Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich, Deputy Head of the Department for External Church Relations of the UOC. Photo: screenshot / Miriane YouTube-channel

Representatives of millions of believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church should come out on June 15 to stand near the Verkhovna Rada, show themselves and not be afraid, said Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich, Deputy Head of the DECR UOC, in an interview published on the Miriane YouTube channel.

Father Nikolai noted that the issue of protecting the Church is of great interest among believers. Parishioners and clergy from the temple where the priest serves will also take part in the prayer standing slated for June 15.

“People feel that the Church needs to be defended, people feel injustices, they feel that politicians, deputies, some actors are beginning to speculate on the church issue,” the UOC spokesman emphasized. “In addition, many people lost their temples, were expelled from them, someone was beaten, humiliated and so on. It is impossible to remain silent.”

Archpriest Nikolai Danilevich recalled that the UOC is the largest confession in Ukraine.

“We’ve collected over a million signatures absolutely easily,” he said. “When such a majority is silent, or, more precisely, when such a majority is not heard, then such a majority should simply come out and show up. Because when we see that several dozen right-wing radical people come out, and the authorities are afraid of them, but millions are silent, then this is wrong.

I believe that at least representatives of these millions should come out, show up and not be afraid. Therefore, "let not your heart be troubled" (John 14:27)! May God help you!"

The priest also expressed his support for the "Miriane" (Laity – Trans.) movement. He is confident that the project will be able to bring a lot of positive feedback in various areas of church life.

“This is not only prayer, this is education, this is enlightenment, catechesis, social activity, this is monasticism – after all, monasticism draws on strength from the Church, people come from communities. Church life is diverse – and may God help you,” Father Nikolai wished.

As reported by the UOJ, the prayer standing on June 15 near the VR is postponed to 9 am.

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