BOC bishop: We did not invite Dumenko to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte
Dumenko near Patriarch Neophyte's coffin. Photo: pomisna.info
Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church revealed that Epifaniy Dumenko, the head of the OCU, was not invited by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church to the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte.
He recounted, "When the funeral of Patriarch Neophyte took place and the head of the non-canonical Ukrainian church, Serhiy Dumenko, arrived, our Synod did not invite him."
"Some of our hierarchs decided that if he wanted to participate in the service, we would not concelebrate with him," Metropolitan Gabriel said.
He stressed that some Bulgarian hierarchs had a firm intention not to serve with Dumenko, but thankfully, he did not even try to so as "not to get in trouble".
Metropolitan Gabriel also stated that he cannot say who exactly invited Dumenko: "He was not invited by the Synod, we invited the Ecumenical Patriarch, we invited other Churches, but we did not invite him."
Earlier the UOJ wrote that according to Metropolitan Gabriel of Lovech, the Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church did not authorize to concelebrate with the OCU.
Read also
OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies
According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.
AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC
An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.
UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral
Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.
UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine
Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.
Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty
The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.
Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.