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
Orthodox Church celebrates feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker
Even during his lifetime, St. Nicholas became renowned as a zealous defender of the Orthodox faith and a great wonderworker.
U.S. lobby for Ukraine calls rallies in defense of UOC a risk – source
In a document by a Washington-based coalition, rallies in defense of the UOC were described as a problematic factor for lobbying Kyiv’s interests in the United States.
Relics of Job and Amphilochius brought from Pochaiv to Khmelnytskyi
The shrine was delivered to St. Nicholas Cathedral with the blessing of the abbot of the Pochaiv Lavra.
In Cherkasy, city council transfers land under seized cathedral to OCU
According to media reports, the decision was made under pressure.
In Volodymyr, MP announces eviction of UOC cathedral community from its chapel
After being expelled from the Dormition Cathedral, the UOC community in Volodymyr has been crammed into a tiny chapel.
Court hearing on eviction of monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra postponed
The judge in the case on evicting monks from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra went on sick leave an hour before the hearing.