Khmelnytskyi Eparchy comments on seizure of the church in Pylypy

Church in the village of Pylypy. Photo: Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the UOC

On July 16, authorities and supporters of the OCU forcibly seized the St. Nicholas Church in the village of Pylypy, Khmelnytskyi district (Krasyliv deanery), reports the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy.

The seizure of the church was overseen by A. Chernievych, a deputy of the Khmelnytskyi district council, V. Polishchuk, the head of the village of Pylypy, S. Bobukh, N. Svystun, Y. Babiychuk, and other OCU supporters among the authorities.

The religious community, together with their rector, Archpriest Valentyn Savchuk, remains fully within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the leadership of its Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

"The liturgical life of the community continues. On Sunday, July 21, 2024, the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in a room repurposed for a church, located next to the seized one," the diocese's press service reported.

As reported by the UOJ, in May 2024, OCU supporters announced the seizure of churches in the town of Krasyliv and the village of Pylypy. However, at that time, the UOC religious community managed to defend their shrine.

Read also

State Film Agency bans Ukrainian film "Prayer for Hetman Mazepa"

The film by renowned director Yuriy Illienko about Mazepa was banned due to the participation of an actor from the Russian Federation.

US state to introduce criminal liability for refusing to break confessional seal

The bill in Arizona could see priests facing felony charges if they fail to break the seal of confession after learning of child abuse during the sacrament.

Synod of Cyprus sets conditions for lifting Met. Tychikos' suspension

The Cypriot Synod linked the possible return of the hierarch to service with a number of requirements, including a written confession of faith and a refusal to appeal to a secular court.

Congresswoman takes control of possible takeover attempt in Kuzmyn

An American legislator responded to the appeal of UOC parishioners, publishing their video, and promising to seek accountability for attempts to seize churches.

OCU church in Kosmach cancels Christmas services due to calendar disputes

Disagreements over the date of Christmas celebrations in the Pre-Carpathian community have led to the services not taking place either in December or in January

Congresswoman: Zelensky waging war against his people over faith

An American legislator stated that Zelensky's policies have led to the persecution of believers and promised to respond to forceful actions against UOC parishes.