Believers in Chernivtsi spend the night in churches, fearing seizures

Prayer of the faithful in the Chernivtsi Cathedral. Photo: t.me/orthobuk

On February 20, the Telegram channel Lavra Live reported on the situation in Chernivtsi, where faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church continued to protect their churches from possible takeover attempts.

According to available information, the night passed peacefully at the Chernivtsi Cathedral as well as at the churches of St. Nicholas and the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul.

Around 8 a.m., the Divine Liturgy began in the Chernivtsi Cathedral, presided over by Metropolitan Meletiy. The church was filled with worshippers, who made it clear they did not intend to leave their sacred site.

The channel's authors noted that the apparent easing of pressure from the raiders may be a tactical move:

“It’s unlikely that the raiders have abandoned their plans. Most likely, they are following a familiar scenario: first lowering the faithful’s guard, then carrying out their objectives.”

The post recalled that a similar strategy was used in Cherkasy, where a church was seized in several stages.

The Telegram channel urged parishioners to maintain prayerful vigilance and stay alert in protecting their churches:

“Beware of provocations. The raiders are eager for footage portraying UOC believers as ‘irrational’ – this is precisely the kind of content they use to justify their violence,” the authors warned.

The faithful were called to unity and prayer:

“Our protection is prayer! If the Lord is with us, who can be against us?”

The UOJ previously reported that the cathedral community in Chernivtsi had gathered to protect their sanctuary.

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