Chernivtsi authorities ban the first Romanian-speaking parish in Ukraine

The burial chamber of the Bukovyna Metropolitans in Chernivtsi. Photo: the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy

On 23 August 2024, the management of the Chernivtsi city cemetery cut the locks and sealed the burial chamber of the Bukovyna Metropolitans, depriving the Romanian-speaking religious community of the Three Saints of the temple, reports the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC.

It was noted that the faithful, led by their rector, Archpriest Christopher, were deprived of the opportunity to hold services in the church, which they had restored, painted, and maintained.

"We see how authorities deliberately restricting the rights and oppressing the Romanian-speaking minority in Ukraine. First, the authorities refused to register a vicariate for the Romanian Orthodox Church, and now they have begun sealing Romanian-speaking parishes... what's next?" the statement reads.

The eparchial press service suggests that the parishioners may prepare an appeal to the President of Romania.

As reported, priests from Romania participated in the celebration of the Krasnoilsk Monastery of the UOC.

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