The Church of Elijah the Prophet in Dori, which was built in the 30's of last century, was burned to the ground this spring. Local residents decided to restore it. The wood is ready and the basement has been made.
The Church of Elijah the Prophet in Dori played an important role in the history of the UGCC. It is associated with the underground period of the Church. The famous Studite HieromonkPorphyry served here, people were healed both physically and spiritually in the first place. This church and the monastery nearby have been a center of pilgrimage for a long time.
As reported by RISU, on March 15 this year the church burned down.
“In the morning, after the Divine Liturgy we left the church,” says brother Myron from a local Studite monastery. “About half an hour I saw from the window of my cell as if smoke comes from beyond the church sacristy. At first I thought that the cleaning women were burning. In the street I understood that the smoke came from the church and called the abbot. We ran to the church building, saw the fire and called to the fire department. We managed to save two cloaks, the gospel from the throne and the sacraments from the ark. Rescuers arrived quickly but their efforts, unfortunately, had no success. The fire immediately spread through the sanctuary and sacristy up to the roof. Since the church was closed by shingles it broke dome. Very strong wind also did not let us extinguish the fire.”
We don’t know who is to blame for the tragedy. In the MOE they stick to a version it was short circuit. But, as the brother Myron said, in a place where there was a flame, there were no electrical appliances or even candles.
As for his version of arson, the monk said: No one has been caught red-handed. About a week after that in Canada a similar tragedy occurred with the Church of Elijah the Prophet and the wind did not let extinguish the fire. Perhaps God testifies our sacrifice in such a difficult time in Ukraine in order that we also sacrificed so peace and quiet was in the country”.
Although immediately after the fire the local residents suggested that this was a deliberate arson. And then the parishioners pledged that the temple would be restored.
Through the efforts of philanthropists and local government funds to purchase materials were collected. Also all necessary concrete works were completed – there is already the foundation of the temple. It is now larger and is located far from the road. The new location is attributed to architectural standards that require appropriate distance from roads and homes.
The church will be made of wood, like the previous one, but built without a single nail.
“Although the materials are different now,” says brother Myron. “The wood is different from that was in the beginning of the last century. So I do not know what it will be like. But hope everything will be fine. Now that the wood is prepared we are going to keep it till next spring – it has to go dry in a natural way, because if we start building at once, it will get twisted. So, with God's help we will build a new beautiful church.”