Voznesensk Eparchy cleric banned from ministry after joining OCU
The ruling bishop of the Voznesensk Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Alexiy, relieved Archpriest Roman Mykhailiuk, rector of St. Michael’s Church in the city of Pervomaisk, of all his duties and banned him from priestly ministry.
The decree cites as grounds for the disciplinary action a violation of the priestly oath, conduct unbecoming of a clergyman, and entering into a second marriage while holding holy orders.
The cleric has been banned from priestly ministry and relieved of all obediences on the basis of the 26th Canon of the Holy Apostles and the 6th Canon of the Council in Trullo.
The day before, cleric Roman Mykhailiuk held a meeting in Pervomaisk and, together with the community, joined the OCU. According to the cleric himself, the eparchy leadership issued the ban only after the community's vote had taken place.
As the UOJ reported, a cleric who joined the OCU was banned from ministry in the Mukachevo Eparchy.
