Unknown individuals vote for joining two UOC parishes to OCU in Kelmentsi
Unknown individuals voting for the transfer of UOC parishes to the OCU in the town of Kelmentsi. Photo: OCU
Chernivtsi media outlets have been spreading information that two religious communities of the UOC in the town of Kelmentsi decided on March 1, 2025, to leave the UOC and join the OCU. However, the Chernivtsi Eparchy has stated that this information is not accurate.
According to a Bukovynian OCU website, 470 "registered members of the community" allegedly voted in favor of joining their structure.
The UOC Eparchy underscores that the parishioners of the churches dedicated to Archangel Michael and the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in Kelmentsi have remained faithful to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
"The parishioners did not participate in the OCU rallies and artistic-educational events, nor did they authorize anyone to speak or make decisions on their behalf," the statement reads.
As previously reported by the UOJ, nearly 600 parishioners of St. Demetrius Church in Panka, Bukovyna, reaffirmed their loyalty to the UOC.
Read also
Italian Ambassador to Ukraine thanks UOC for Odesa cathedral restoration
At the reception for Republic Day in Kyiv, diplomat Carlo Formosa noted the Church's contribution to the restoration of the Transfiguration Cathedral.
Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) reassigned to serve in Brazil
After the incident in Czechia, Metropolitan Hilarion will continue his ministry in the Argentine and South American Eparchy.
Israel introduces fines for use of loudspeakers in mosques
Law enforcement officers have received permission to confiscate sound equipment in case of violations.
Catholicos of All Armenians bans government interference in Church affairs
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II reported the initiation of more than a dozen criminal cases against clergy.
Synod of Romanian Church accepts resignation of Met. Petru of Bessarabia
The Synod Chancellery announced preparations for the election of a new head of the metropolis and the formation of a list of candidates.
Metropolitan Onuphry chairs final meeting of KDAiS Academic Council
The Primate of the UOC awarded orders to distinguished employees of the KDAiS and wished the teaching staff God's help in their continued service to the Church.