UOC Hierarch Criticizes Authorities for Persecuting the Church

During a service at the Mezhyrychi Monastery on the feast of the Miraculous Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring”, Archbishop Pimen of Rivne and Ostroh criticized the actions of the authorities towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In his address, he emphasized the unprecedented pressure the Church is facing in Ukraine, particularly referring to the incident in Khmelnytskyi, where believers were prevented from entering the church. The Bishop’s message to the faithful was published by the Telegram channel “Pershyi Kozatskyi”.

“We see what is happening in the world — churches are being taken away, even destroyed. People are not allowed into churches, as happened yesterday in Khmelnytskyi,” said the Archbishop, noting that some believe themselves stronger than God, “but the Lord dwells in temples not made by hands.”

He recalled historical examples of persecution against the Church, which ended in the oblivion and defeat of those who tried to destroy the holy places, while the grace of God always remained with the faithful. Calling on believers not to lose heart, Archbishop Pimen urged for prayer and spiritual unity.

“Only the road to hell seems attractive. Let the thorns on the path to the Kingdom of God not frighten us,” he stressed, adding that the Ukrainian people are a chosen nation, washed in the blood of Christ and protected by the Most Holy Theotokos.

Earlier, media reports emerged alleging abuse of children at the orphanage under the care of Metropolitan Longin at the Banchensky Monastery in Chernivtsi region. According to journalists and former residents interviewed by photographer Edgar Kalancha as part of a “documentary investigation”, children were allegedly subjected to beatings and forced labor. The police are currently investigating these claims.