In Sokyriany, Chernivtsi region, representatives of OCU seize UOC church

"Prayer service" of the OCU in the UOC church in Sokyriany. Photo: UOJ

On February 7, 2024, a group of representatives of the OCU captured the UOC church dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul in the city of Sokyriany, Chernivtsi Oblast.

As reported to the UOJ correspondent, around 8:00 PM, several dozen people, led by OCU "chaplain" Roman Hryshchuk, cut the lock on the door of the auxiliary room (sacristy) of the church.

The auxiliary room has a direct exit through the altar into the main part of the church. Eyewitnesses reported that the raiders, having broken the lock, entered the church through the sacristy and altar – including women.

Afterwards, representatives of the OCU held a "molieben" service. It is noteworthy that along with clerics from Dumenko's church, police officers were present in the church, who not only did not hinder the cutting of the locks but also assisted in inspecting the altar.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Sokyriany, Bukovyna, UOC believers defended their church from raiders.

Read also

Romanian Church to hold joint prayer for peace in Ukraine

On the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine, special prayers for an end to the hostility will be offered in all churches of the Romanian Patriarchate, both in the country and abroad.

Armenian bishops call on authorities to stop Church persecution

At a meeting in Austria, hierarchs of the Armenian Apostolic Church reaffirmed their faithfulness to Catholicos Karekin II of All Armenians and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the clergy.

Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession

The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.

Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy

In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.

London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights

In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.

DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty

DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.