OCU congratulates those who "transferred" three UOC cathedrals in Chernivtsi
A crowd in front of the fence of the UOC cathedral. Photo: OCU's press service
The press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the OCU declared the fake gathering of unknown individuals, which took place on February 16, 2025, outside the fence of the UOC cathedral while the UOC community was praying inside, a "historic event."
Dumenko’s representatives claimed that these people allegedly represented three UOC communities: "In particular, the believers of the Holy Spirit Cathedral (85 Holovna St.), St. Nicholas Church (35 Ruska St.), and Sts. Peter and Paul Church (35 Storozhynetska St.) decided to leave the subordination of the Moscow Patriarchate and join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine."
"Despite provocations and attempts by Moscow Patriarchate supporters to disrupt the meeting, the communities showed resilience, unity, and demonstrated their loyalty to the Ukrainian Church and the spiritual unity of the people," the OCU stated.
The OCU's press service "congratulated" the "religious communities of Chernivtsi on joining the large family of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the OCU."
It will be recalled that while unknown individuals were holding their rally outside the cathedral fence, inside the church, more than 4,500 believers voted to remain loyal to the UOC under Metropolitan Onuphry.
Read also
U.S. House of Representatives passes ban on sex-change surgeries for minors
The lower house of Congress supported an initiative limiting medical interventions that could have irreversible consequences for the health of minors.
Armenian Church to appeal to international bodies over government pressure
The decision was made by the Supreme Spiritual Council in Etchmiadzin against the backdrop of criminal cases, pressure on the clergy, and the state's attempts to interfere in church life.
Pashinyan's supporters attempt to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral in Armenia
The confrontation around the Armenian Apostolic Church intensified after rebellious hierarchs called for the Catholicos's resignation and attempted to exert forceful pressure in Etchmiadzin.
Persecuted community of Maliatyntsi celebrates first patronal feast after seizure
In Bukovyna, the faithful of the St. Nicholas community in the village of Maliatyntsi celebrated the Feast Day of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia for the first time after the church seizure.
European authorities downplay scale of Christian persecution, report says
Human rights defenders reported an increase in attacks on believers in the EU and pointed out that official statistics do not reflect the real level of anti-Christian hostility.
Mukachevo Eparchy bishops congratulate orphaned children on St Nicholas Day
Metropolitan Theodore and Bishop Hilarion visited the “New Family” children’s shelter in Uzhhorod.