In Bukovyna, OCU brings strangers for a fake meeting on parish transition

OCU supporters singing the anthem at a "UOC parish meeting". Photo: Facebook Page of Hryshchuk

On February 2, 2025, in Verkhni Stanivtsi, Bukovyna, a gathering took place of people brought in by representatives of the OCU, led by Roman Hryshchuk. Under the guise of a "prayer for warriors," they conducted an illegal meeting to transfer the UOC’s St. Nicholas Church to the OCU. A video posted on Hryshchuk’s Facebook page shows participants singing the national anthem after an illegitimate vote, while actual members of the religious community shouted at them, “Shame!” That same day, the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the OCU published a triumphant Facebook post claiming that the UOC parish had transferred to their structure. According to Hryshchuk, real members of the community were present but refused to register.

At the same time, the church's rector, Archpriest Arkadii Hryvul, along with parishioners, stated that the meeting was organized unlawfully, with outsiders brought into the village, while only a few local residents were present.

"Today in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, a false, fake meeting took place – one that I, as the rector, knew nothing about, and neither did our people, the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. However, from unofficial sources, we learned that a rally was going to be held in our village, allegedly a prayer event by OCU representatives for the warriors. We responded and also attended the rally, where we listened to their prayer and prayed ourselves. But, unfortunately, the OCU representatives acted deceitfully towards the residents of Verkhni Stanivtsi. They brought in people unknown to us (although a few locals were present) and held a vote, where the minority actually supported the OCU," the priest explained.

According to him, community members in Verkhni Stanivtsi compiled lists showing that 401 votes supported remaining with the UOC.

The rector stated that the community intends to file a complaint with law enforcement authorities.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to OCU cleric Hryshchuk, Christ used profanity.

Read also

Zelensky: Putin meddles in Ukraine’s church affairs, dictating baptism

The President of Ukraine recalled that Church and state are separate in Ukraine.