OCU supporters seize UOC church in Rynhach
The community of the Holy Ascension church in the village of Rynhach. Photo: vitrazhiofficial
On May 20, 2023, an armed group of OCU representatives seized the Holy Ascension church of the UOC in the village of Rynhach, Chernivtsi Region.
The Telegram channel of the press service of the Chernivtsi–Bukovyna Eparchy reported that at around 9 a.m. a “storm brigade” of OCU supporters arrived in Rynhach, broke the church fence, and, after smashing windows, seized the Holy Ascension church.
The “storm brigade” was opposed by three people who that morning were mowing the grass, cleaning the grounds, and preparing for the parish feast day.
“These are the priest Fr. Serafim, a parishioner, and a woman – the church warden. The confrontation did not last long. Adherents of the god of violence, using fists, rebar, and an angle grinder, quickly gained the upper hand. There has still been no contact with Fr. Serafim,” the eparchy press service wrote.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in the Chernivtsi Eparchy, armed OCU representatives beat a UOC priest.
Read also
Orthodox Christians in Germany take part in March for Life in Munich
Several thousand people took to the streets of the city to defend traditional values and children’s right to life.
UOC church damaged by shelling in Dobropillia
The Holy Trinity Church in Dobropillia sustained serious damage as a result of military action.
Pope calls for weapons to fall silent and for dialogue in Ukraine
The head of the Vatican expressed regret over the intensifying attacks on civilians and called the ceasefire in the Middle East “a reason for hope.”
House Speaker presented with Ukrainian “icon” painted on HIMARS lid
The “icon,” painted on the lid of a HIMARS system, depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd.
UOC priest Pinchuk joins Constantinople Patriarchate
Andriy Pinchuk has begun serving in the Scandinavian Metropolis of the Constantinople Patriarchate as a “volunteer cleric.”
Ukraine’s Chief Rabbi: Kyiv terrorist was a militant antisemite
The religious leader said the attacker had called for “purges” and for the killing of Jews and Ukrainians.