Attempted arson at Yaroslavychi UOC church, built to replace a seized one
Traces of used motor oil on the church wall. Photo: Press service of the Rivne Eparchy
In the village of Yaroslavychi, within the Mlyniv Deanery, unknown individuals attempted to set fire to the Nativity of the Theotokos Church, according to the press service of the Rivne Diocese.
The incident occurred on February 5, 2025. The first to notice the traces of the crime was a parishioner who had previously donated land for the church's construction. She saw a blackened window with marks resembling fire damage and immediately called the police.
Law enforcement officers and canine units arrived at the scene to inspect the area. According to the diocese, unknown perpetrators doused the church walls with used motor oil, presumably intending to set it on fire. An investigation is currently underway, but the identities of the offenders have not yet been established.
The church in Yaroslavychi was built in 2020 after the local community lost its previous place of worship in 2019. Following a meeting on its “transition”, the former church was transferred to the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), forcing UOC believers to construct a new one.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that on September 19, 2020, a new UOC church was consecrated in Yaroslavychi to replace the one seized by OCU supporters.
Read also
Italian Ambassador to Ukraine thanks UOC for Odesa cathedral restoration
At the reception for Republic Day in Kyiv, diplomat Carlo Formosa noted the Church's contribution to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) reassigned to serve in Brazil
After the incident in Czechia, Metropolitan Hilarion will continue his ministry in the Argentine and South American Eparchy.
Israel introduces fines for use of loudspeakers in mosques
Law enforcement officers have received permission to confiscate sound equipment in case of violations.
Catholicos of All Armenians bans government interference in Church affairs
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II reported the initiation of more than a dozen criminal cases against clergy.
Synod of Romanian Church accepts resignation of Met. Petru of Bessarabia
The Synod Chancellery announced preparations for the election of a new head of the metropolis and the formation of a list of candidates.
Metropolitan Onuphry chairs final meeting of KDAiS Academic Council
The Primate of the UOC awarded orders to distinguished employees of the KDAiS and wished the teaching staff God's help in their continued service to the Church.