"I stay with my parish": exiled priest of UOC refused to go abroad
The community of the raided Sretensky Church of the UOC in Cherkasy has survived and intends to continue its liturgical life.
The rector of the Sretensky Church of the UOC taken over by OCU supporters, Archpriest Eugene Burkatsky, refuted the information spread by pro-government sources that he has allegedly left his community and the country.
"After the tragedy that happened in our parish, some of my Greek friends from Thessaloniki and Athens did suggest that I go abroad to serve in Athens," the priest said in an interview with the YouTube channel "Cherkasy Blagovisnyk". "But my wife and I decided to stay together with our parish. Especially since these people have essentially become our family."
Father Eugene noted that the expelled Sretensky community has survived, "The people haven't scattered, people support [one another]".
"We will find a place where we can continue to celebrate the holy Divine Liturgy and partake in the Holy Sacraments of Christ," Father Eugene said.
He also mentioned that the community has appealed the decision of the regional administration regarding the re-registration of the Sretensky parish with the OCU.
"We filed a lawsuit in the Economic Court and hope to be heard. The court session is scheduled for September 13," the priest noted.
As reported, on August 3, 2023, activists of the OCU with the support of law enforcers stormed the Sretensky Church in Cherkasy and expelled the rector and his family, including seven children, from the parish house.
On August 23, Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and Kaniv awarded Father Eugene with the highest insignia of distinction "For Faithfulness to the Church and Courage".
