UGCC cleric calls UOC parishioners "zombie" and illiterate

Makariy Dutka, a cleric of the Univ Lavra of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), has harshly criticized the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), calling them “zombie-like” and illiterate. In his speech, the hieromonk expressed regret that even educated people remain faithful to the UOC and do not seek to join the OCU.

On the air of Espresso TV channel, Makariy Dutka explained the reluctance of people to change their confessional affiliation by the influence of “very large protracted propaganda”. According to him, believers are under strong informational influence, which is why only “miniature parishes” or small groups of people often transfer to Epiphany Dumenko’s structure, even if it is a transfer of cathedrals.

During the interview, the UGCC representative specifically mentioned well-known parishioners of the UOC, in particular boxer Vasyl Lomachenko. Dutka also attributed his public participation in church services to the general “zombification”. In addition, the cleric shared a story from sports competitions, claiming that he met a priest of the UOC who was allegedly ashamed of his affiliation with this Church, but continued to remain in its fold.

Earlier, we reported that in the Ternopil region, a local resident reported a protracted conflict with a priest of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) who had illegally settled in a private house and refused to leave. According to the homeowner, attempts to resolve the issue through law enforcement agencies and church leadership have so far failed.