Chernivtsi: Registering communities’ decisions to remain with UOC? Not for us

Head of the Chernivtsi Regional Department of Culture, Olena Bodnar. Photo: Facebook of the Chernivtsi Regional Administration

On February 26, 2025, the head of the Chernivtsi Regional Department of Culture, Olena Bodnar, stated in a comment to Suspilne that her department is only involved with assemblies that voted for transition to the OCU, but not with those that decided to remain with the UOC.

Commenting on the fraudulent gathering of unknown individuals outside the fence of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC – where they voted to transfer this and two other major UOC churches to the OCU – Bodnar said that the responsibility for the validity of such assemblies lies with their participants, specifically the head of the assembly. According to her, the Department of Culture does not verify the legitimacy of such gatherings.

Additionally, the official asserted that her department does not register decisions of assemblies that confirmed their commitment to the UOC.

"Our functions include registering new religious organizations, changes in canonical affiliation, and any modifications related to leadership changes, registration address, etc. – in other words, matters that require adjustments," Bodnar stated.

"As for the parishioners’ meetings declaring their desire to remain part of the UOC MP, the regional administration is not authorized to process such decisions – its authority is limited to re-registration," journalists quoted Bodnar as saying.

For those dissatisfied with the current situation, she suggested either appealing to the police or forming a new religious community.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Bodnar, her department does not verify the legality of assemblies deciding on transitions to the OCU.

Read also