Defrocked ex-cleric of UGCC to lead Holy Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr, which was taken away from UOC

A scandal is erupting in the city of Volodymyr, Volyn region, over the possible appointment of ex-ex-cleric of the UGCC Bohdan Murovany as rector of the Holy Dormition Cathedral, which was recently taken away from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the state in favor of the OCU. Earlier, Murovany was defrocked in the UGCC because of his «concelebration» with the hierarch of the OCU and accusations of immoral behavior. This is reported by the publication «BUG».

Earlier, the Ukrainian media disseminated information that Murovany was defrocked by the decision of the Apostolic See (Vatican) for violating moral standards. In particular, it was stated that the ex-cleric of the UGCC, while officially married, actually lived with another woman and has two children with her. In addition, he was accused of violations related to «concelebration» with the head of the Vladimir-Volyn Diocese of the OCU, Matviy Shevchuk.

According to the information received, the UGCC previously confirmed that the clergyman was «banned from ministry» in 2023. Despite the time given for correction, Murovany actually joined the OCU. At the same time, resonant personnel changes took place in the Volodymyr-Volyn Diocese of the OCU: the diocesan secretary, who had been in charge of the Holy Dormition Cathedral since its expropriation from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in favor of the OCU, was suddenly removed and sent to serve in rural areas.

At the moment, it is known that Bohdan Murovany has already received the status of «dean,» replacing one of the long-time rectors of local churches. The public continues to closely monitor the situation around the Holy Dormition Cathedral, fearing that the appointment of an ex-UGCC cleric with a similar «reputation trail» as rector of the church may negatively affect the authority of the Orthodox community of Volyn.

Earlier, we reported that the community of the Assumption Cathedral in Volodymyr, whose church was taken away by the state, continues to have a full-fledged liturgical life in a specially adapted building. This became a new stage after a significant number of parishioners were forced to pray in the open air due to the lack of a permanent place to hold services.