OCU activists seize a church in Kotsiubynske during a service

Photo: Screenshot from video t.me/dozor_kozak1

A group of OCU raiders in balaclavas broke into the St. George Church of the UOC in Kotsiubynske, Kyiv region, during a service. The video of the church takeover was published on the Dozor_kozak1 Telegram channel on March 13, 2024.

The perpetrators broke down the door of the church, subdued and expelled the rector, informing the clergyman that he was no longer the owner of the church.

One of the instigators of the takeover told the parishioners that, "whether they like it or not, and no matter how much they shout," an OCU cleric would now enter the church. The religious community demanded the return of their priest to the church, but in vain.

Journalists reported that a cleric of Epifaniy, who had stormed the St. Michael Church of the UOC in Bilohorodka in the summer of 2023, entered the seized church.

In this video, OCU raiders break down the doors of St. George Church of the UOC in Kotsiubynske. While the perpetrators use grinders and crowbars, the parishioners pray in their sanctuary.

As the UOJ reported, the parishioners of two churches in Kotsiubynske voted for loyalty to the UOC.

Read also

Supreme Court opens appeal in case of UOC’s Korets Monastery

The court has begun considering the UOC monastery’s appeal against the ruling on its liquidation, filed in a lawsuit by the State Service for Ethnopolitics and Freedom of Conscience.

Patriarchs Bartholomew and John X meet at the Phanar

Patriarch John X of Antioch arrived at the Phanar, where he met with Patriarch Bartholomew and discussed issues concerning inter-Orthodox relations.

Christian tortured for converting to Christianity in Egypt

An Egyptian Christian convert from Islam was allegedly tortured in prison, hung in a crucifixion position and denied food and medical care.

King of England: Christian faith is a firm anchor and community guide

King Charles III spoke of the role of Christian faith as a pillar of society and called for support for Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace.

Dumenko: We pray for Filaret so that no one from Muscovy will rule over us

The head of the OCU held a memorial “service” for Filaret at St. Volodymyr’s Cathedral on the 40th day after his death.

Georgian Synod names three candidates for patriarchal throne

The Holy Synod of the Georgian Church, with 38 hierarchs taking part, shortlisted three candidates to be presented for the final election of the Patriarch.