In Greece, Ukrainian Greek Catholics clash with local communists

Ukrainian Greek Catholics fighting with local communists. Photo: Igor Posolenyk's Facebook page

On November 23, 2024, Greek communists disrupted a Holodomor Memorial Day event organized by Ukrainian Greek Catholics in collaboration with the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece.

Representatives from the Ukrainian Embassy, UGCC clergy, children, and adults from Ukrainian church, educational, and cultural organizations gathered at the Taras Shevchenko monument in the city of Mandra to honor the victims of the Holodomor.

The event displeased activists from the Communist Party of Greece.

According to UGCC priest Ihor Posolenyk on Facebook, "the attackers, armed with communist symbols, blocked access to the monument and resorted to aggressive actions."

"Insults, threats, and even physical attacks against some Ukrainians occurred. An atmosphere of fear and chaos prevailed where prayers were meant to be offered," wrote Posolenyk.

The Greek Catholic priest expressed outrage at the actions of the Greek communists, stating:

"This incident once again raises the question of who the real 'fascists' are if aggressive behavior comes from those who claim to stand for freedom of speech and democracy."

Later, the Ukrainian Embassy in Greece issued a note of protest against the actions of the Greek communists, revealing that a Ukrainian diplomat was injured during the incident.

The Embassy stressed "the importance of adhering to principles of respect, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, which form the foundation of modern democratic societies."

It also highlighted that "it is crucial to ensure individuals and communities can commemorate historical tragedies without fear of intimidation or violence."

Earlier, the UOJ reported on violent incidents involving the UOC:

- In Cherkasy, raiders assaulted Metropolitan Theodosiy and open fire on UOC believers.

- In August 2024, the Rada passed Bill 8371, banning the UOC.

- In Novozhyvotiv, OCU supporters beat a priest and demolished a UOC prayer house.

- In Odesa Oblast, a UOC priest was brutally beaten.

- In the Khust Diocese, another UOC priest was severely attacked.

- In Galuzintsy, radicals assaulted a priest during a church takeover.

- In Kyiv, armed soldiers beat a UOC priest.

Additionally, on January 2, 2023, Archpriest Antony Kovtonyuk, rector of the Intercession Church in Vinnytsia, had his throat slit with a razor.