OCU seizes UOC church in Blahodatne, taking advantage of priest’s illness
Dormition Church of the UOC in Blahodatne, Cherkasy region. Photo: Dozor
March 12, 2025 – A group of OCU raiders stormed the Dormition Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Blahodatne, Cherkasy region, and took control of the sacred site. According to sources from the Dozor Telegram channel, the break-in occurred at 5:30 AM.
"To seize the church, OCU raiders cynically exploited the illness of the rector, Fr. Ihor Bondarenko. The priest suffers from a heart condition, and the raiders knew he would not be able to defend the church," Dozor reported.
When parishioners learned about the takeover and came to protect the church, police did not allow them onto the premises.
Journalists reported that the takeover was led by former UOC cleric and now OCU activist Roman Lychak.
"Also present was the notorious serial raider Nazarii Zassanskyi," the report stated.
It was noted that OCU activists forged documents related to the parish. However, this did not grant them any legal rights to the church itself, as it remains the private property of the rector.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that another underground space was consecrated in Cherkasy for a persecuted UOC parish.
Read also
Congresswoman to Ukrainian ambassador: Imprisoning Christians is never good
Anna Paulina Luna wrote to Stefanishyna that justifying the actions of the Ukrainian authorities against the UOC is not good.
Lavra abbot concelebrates with His Beatitude in Boryspil after long break
On the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Pavel concelebrated with the Primate of the UOC at the Boryspil Cathedral.
The Patriarch of Bulgaria revealed that the issue of the OCU was discussed in Istanbul
According to the head of the BPC, during the visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ukrainian issue was considered with respect for the position of the Bulgarian Church.
Shevchuk to Cherkasy officials: UGCC is on the information war front lines
The head of the UGCC told officials in Cherkasy region that the church has become an important participant in the information war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to U.S. tells congresswoman why authorities target UOC
According to Stefanishyna, the UOC speaks about persecution because it is “linked to Moscow”.
Christmas procession visits UOC churches in Kamianske
A procession with revered shrines is taking place in the city, before which prayers are offered for peace and for the people of Kamianske.