On the night of December 5-6, unknown vandals desecrated the grave of the late rector of the Holy Transfiguration Church in the village of Kurash, Rivne region, Archpriest Vasily Ivanichko, reports Pershy Kozatsky.

Let us remind you that Father Vasily was a true shepherd who until the very end defended the church and the community from the encroachments of local adherents of the OCU. In April 2019, the abbot and Orthodox residents of Kurash had to endure terrible injustice and trials. Local supporters of the OCU took away the Holy Transfiguration Church from the community. In this they were actively assisted by the regional authorities, the village council and the police.

This incessant terror ultimately weakened the health of the cleric. Unable to withstand the constant persecution of one hundred Epiphany’s adherents, Father Basil departed to the Lord.