Calls growing online to address the situation of UOC purges in Lviv region

UOC community in Pryslip, Lviv Region. Photo: Video screenshot

Recent news suggests that local authorities and activists are preparing to eliminate the UOC in the Lviv region entirely, as reported in a new segment by the Dozor_kozak1 Telegram channel.

“Lviv region has long turned into a showcase of terror against Orthodox Christians, where life has always been difficult for the UOC, and over the past two years, the Church has been pushed to the brink of extinction,” says Dozor.

According to journalists, the region appears to be preparing for a “major purge”.

"Today, we want to warn all of Orthodox Ukraine about this, to inform and caution everyone beyond its borders who stands for human rights and freedom of conscience – a major crime is being committed, and it is within your power to stop it," they urge.

Previously, the Telegram channel analyzed a segment by the state television channel “Suspilne.Lviv”.

“Recently, the Lviv Regional Administration stated that only three UOC parishes supposedly remain in the region. Workers from 'Suspilne' rushed to these parish addresses to conduct another round of harassment against Christians," they wrote.

It was noted that the media not only published the names of these churches but also their locations. This was accompanied by on-camera comments from individuals making slanderous claims, alleging that these churches "held services in support of Russia and Putin."

“‘Suspilne’ employees are quick to declare that no services are currently being held at these parishes. It seems that this is laying the groundwork for the impending arbitrary liquidation of UOC religious communities,” Orthodox journalists believe.

As reported by the UOJ, Lviv authorities reported to have closed 20 UOC communities since the start of the war. Currently, only three UOC communities remain in the Lviv Eparchy.

Read also

Synod of Czech Lands & Slovakia Church expresses concern over UOC persecution

The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia condemned the systematic persecution of the clergy and believers of the UOC in Ukraine.