Authorities in Chernivtsi dismantle the cross on the Central Square

Chernivtsi Central Square. Photo: Chernivtsi Diocese

On March 29, 2024, the cross was removed from the Central Square of the city of Chernivtsi, where it had been installed since 2014. The Chernivtsi Diocese of the UOC considers that the city's leadership's policy is increasingly taking on an anti-Christian vector.

The Chernivtsi City Council explains the dismantling of the cross by claiming it was damaged by a hurricane. According to the state agents, this "temporary structure" posed a threat to people, so it was decided to remove it.

However, many city residents do not believe this explanation. It is reported that no one was shown photos of the damage to the cross, and if there had been a willing, it could have been easily reinforced without any problems.

Such dismantling of the cross can be interpreted as a deliberate act by the authorities aimed at humiliating Christians. The diocese recalls that on April 27, 2023, the mayor of the city, Roman Klichuk, brought to the session of the city council a decision to deprive UOC churches in Chernivtsi of the right to use 22 land plots.

It is noteworthy that the cross was removed on Friday, March 29, the day when Catholics commemorate the events of Good Friday when Jesus Christ was crucified. According to the UOC diocese, this was a "ritual sacrilegious act" aimed at offending the feelings of believers.

It should be noted that the cross on the Central Square of Chernivtsi was installed in 2014 with the participation of representatives of the Greek and Roman Catholic communities of the city. Currently, they are not making any statements regarding the dismantling of the cross.

"It creates the impression that the policy of the city's leadership in Chernivtsi is increasingly taking on an anti-Christian vector, slow but steady," the statement said.

The Chernivtsi press service added: "When it comes to neglecting the installed cross, it offends the religious feelings of any Christian, no matter who installed it."

What will happen to the cross next is unknown. City authorities are not providing any comments on its further fate.

Additionally, a votive cross was dismantled opposite the "Pizza Park" pizzeria at 77 Hlavna Street. It was removed during the replacement of paving stones in the place where the votive cross stood.

As reported by the UOJ, an "inventory" of the relics of the Kyiv-Pechersk saints will be conducted by the Ministry of Culture.

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