OCU preparing to seize major UOC churches in Chernivtsi – source: UPDATED
Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC. Photo: Travels
Activists of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) are preparing a forceful seizure of the main churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi, including the Holy Spirit Cathedral, as well as the St. Nicholas and Sts. Peter and Paul churches, according to the Telegram channel LAVRA live, citing its own sources in the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Military Administration.
The assault is planned for the evening or night of February 19.
The channel's authors report that, in addition to taking over the cathedral, the raiders aim to make an example of the believers of the Chernivtsi Diocese, who had appealed to U.S. authorities for protection of their religious rights and freedoms.
*"We urge the authorities of Bukovyna not to take this step, which will only lead to hostility and conflicts in the region. We also call on all those involved in organizing this lawlessness to refrain from violating the laws of Ukraine and carrying out criminal orders.
At the same time, we call on the leadership of the OCU (both in Kyiv and Chernivtsi) to do everything possible to prevent violent confrontation. You can stop this right now by addressing your supporters!"* the channel’s authors wrote, urging all UOC believers to pray.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko’s supporters congratulated those who had "transferred" three UOC cathedrals in Chernivtsi to the OCU.
Read also
Patriarch Theophilos addresses believers with words of support ahead of Pascha
The Primate of the Church of Jerusalem, in a video address, highlighted that even in conditions of war, Christians are not abandoned by God and place their hope solely in the Resurrection of Christ.
Muslims of Russia call war with Ukraine "sacred jihad"
The Mufti of Chechnya stated that all Islamic religious leaders should be ready to stand alongside RF soldiers.
Kyiv UOC Eparchy holds aid drive for children and people with disabilities
In Boyarka, Kyiv region, more than 50 families received food and clothing as part of a charitable outreach held on the eve of the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem.
New monastics tonsured at Putyvl’s Molchensky Convent
The ruling bishop of the Konotop Eparchy performed a monastic tonsure.
US Protestant Churches hold Easter events with drone shows and spectacles
Protestant communities in the United States marked Easter with large-scale events featuring drones, helicopters, and spectacle-driven shows aimed at drawing people in and conveying the Gospel message.
Temporary church of persecuted UOC community burns down in Telchi
In Volyn, a fire has effectively destroyed the building where the faithful had been praying after their church was seized.