OCU Representative on Joint Prayer with UOC Bishop in Chernihiv: "The Holy Spirit Gathered Us"

The head of the Chernihiv Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), Bishop Antonii Firlei, commented on the ecumenical prayer for peace in Ukraine held on April 20 at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv. Representatives of several Christian denominations took part in the joint prayer service, including the OCU, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), and the Protestant church “Salvation,” according to Glavkom.

When asked who initiated this interdenominational prayer, Bishop Antonii Firlei replied: “The Holy Spirit gathered [us].” From the UOC, Archbishop Nikodym (Pustovhar) of Liubech participated in the service.

According to Glavkom, the regional secular authorities were not informed about the intention to hold this prayer service and did not participate in its organization.

It is worth noting that this year’s Easter celebration in Chernihiv became a landmark event that drew the attention of the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church: Bishop Nikodym of the UOC Chernihiv Diocese was present at the joint ecumenical prayer service together with representatives of the OCU, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and Protestant communities. The prayer gathering took place in the Trinity Cathedral and was presented as a gesture of “spiritual unity” in support of peace in Ukraine.