Development of religious conflict in vlg. Ivanichi: UOC temple sealed

The doors of the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in the village of Ivanichi, Rovno region. Photo: UOJ

On the evening of May 30, 2019, the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in the village of Ivanichi, Rovno region, was sealed until the court decided on the “disputed” issue of the religious affiliation of the church.

“At first, the non-resident men left the territory of our church, then a constructive dialogue without threats began. Further, representatives of the police offered both communities to put their own locks on the church, everyone agreed. Each community hanged its own lock,” the spouse of the church’s rector Ksenia Irshak told the UOJ reported who visited the scene.

Activists of the OCU stated that they allegedly have all the necessary documents proving their ownership of the Holy Trinity Church. However, the human rights activist of the Rovno Eparchy of the UOC denied this information.

“The UOC religious community has ownership rights to the temple, which has not been cancelled. The UOC believers will defend this right in court,” the lawyer emphasized.

We recall that on the afternoon of May 30, 2019, OCU activists brought people from the surrounding villages, about two dozen priests of the OCU and strong men of athletic build to the territory of the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in the village of Ivanichi of the Kostopol district, Rovno region, and attempted to seize the temple.

The UOJ editorial board reminds that in case of violation of the rights of the episcopate, clergy, laity, and institutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (obstruction of worship, seizure of churches, provocations, pressure, threats, etc.), you should immediately contact the Legal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by phone: 097-537-55-96.

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