Names of key organizers behind raids of UOC temples in Storozhynets revealed

OCU representatives at a rally in Storozhynets. Photo: Screenshot from Hryshchuk's Facebook

Representatives of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the Storozhynets district of the Chernivtsi region have appealed to state and diplomatic institutions, seeking protection from unlawful encroachments on their religious rights.

In an open letter signed by Archpriest Vasyl Kovalchuk and the clergy of the Storozhynets Deanery, details of the planned church takeovers were outlined, along with the names of individuals involved in organizing pressure against believers.

According to the clergy, the pressure campaigns are coordinated by OCU representatives Roman Hryshchuk, Ioan Shchipor, Petro Andriychiuk, and Mykhailo Smoliak, who are accused of "inciting religious hatred" and attempting to deprive UOC believers of their right to worship in their churches.

Particular concern has been raised over the involvement of state institutions. Oleksandr Voitekhovskyi, the chief doctor of Storozhynets Hospital, and his deputy, Vasyl Palii, are accused of coercing employees into supporting the transition of churches to the OCU. Workers are reportedly being threatened with dismissal for refusing to cooperate, which violates their labor rights and freedom of conscience.

The appeal emphasizes that these aggressors are acting with the silent approval of law enforcement agencies.

The document also states that OCU activists are collecting signatures en masse for petitions supporting the "transition" of communities, using threats and manipulative tactics.

UOC clergy are calling on diplomats from the United States and Romania, as well as Ukrainian authorities, to intervene and stop religious persecution.

"We want to pray in our native language and preserve our sanctuaries," the authors of the appeal conclude.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Romanian-speaking UOC believers stated they were facing threats of religious repression.

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