In Perehonivka, OCU activists seize UOC temple

The Holy Cross Church in Perehonivka. Photo: Kirovohrad Eparchy’s website

On 11 March 2025, the priest and parishioners of the Holy Cross community in the village of Perehonivka, Kirovohrad Eparchy, were unable to hold a service because the lock on the door of their shrine had been replaced. This was reported to the UOJ by parish representatives. According to them, the head of the OCU community, Stepan Hrynda, openly stated that the keys would not be returned to the UOC community.

“Isn’t the purpose of Lent about repentance and prayer, not stirring up conflicts? At a time when the country is suffering from war, when thousands of people are losing their homes and loved ones, has someone really decided that now is the moment to divide churches and drive people apart?” the believers wrote to the editorial office.

“We just want to pray, to find peace and strength in the church to endure these difficult times. Instead, we are being dragged into a conflict that nobody wants. Where is the love for one’s neighbour here? Where is the respect for the people who have cared for the church for decades, for whom it is not just a building but a place where their faith lives?” ask the UOC parishioners.

They called for “dialogue, peace, and respect towards every resident of Perehonivka, each of whom has the right to their faith and their church.”

It will be reminded that on 25 January 2019, the clergy and parishioners of the Holy Cross Church held a parish meeting where they unanimously decided to remain in the bosom of the UOC. This meeting took place the day after a gathering organised by the village head, V. Kozak, and representatives of the Kyiv Patriarchate.

In February 2024, the parties agreed to alternate service in the church. However, a year later, the OCU representatives broke the agreement and seized the church.

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