UOC eparchy comments on church raid in Bila Tserkva
Divine Liturgy on March 19 led by Metropolitan Augustine in the Church of St. Panteleimon. Photo: Bila Tserkva Eparchy
On March 21, 2025, in Bila Tserkva, the OCU seized the Panteleimon Church of the UOC. The Bila Tserkva Eparchy of the UOC has released a statement reagrding the incident.
The administration of the Bila Tserkva diocese reported that representatives of the OCU entered the territory of the Panteleimon Church in the morning, immediately after the end of the curfew, by damaging the lock mechanism on the side doors.
“The seizure of the church occurred in the presence of law enforcement officers with the support of city authorities, who facilitated the organization and execution of the illegal re-registration of the church’s statutory documents,” the statement said.
A video from the scene was published on the Dozor Telegram channel, noting that “the parishioners of the church managed to save icons and liturgical vessels from the barbarians.”
As reported by the UOJ, Espresso reported on the seizure of the church on March 21.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.