Believers stay overnight in Chernivtsi cathedral fearing a storming attempt

Vespers at the Holy Spirit Cathedral led by Metropolitan Meletiy. Photo: Screenshot from Orthobuk video

At the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi, believers are remaining on night watch after the evening service due to fears of an attempted storming of the church. This was reported by the Chernivtsi Orthodox Telegram channel Orthobuk.

Earlier, the channel had issued a call for Orthodox Christians in Bukovyna to come to the cathedral, after information emerged that provocations by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) might take place in the evening in an attempt to seize the holy site.

“Threats of seizure are not empty words. The only reason the cathedral hasn’t been stormed yet is because you are here,” the message said.

Currently, an all-night vigil is being held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral. Afterward, many parishioners will remain for the night service, during which clergy will celebrate the Divine Liturgy. The faithful plan to pray throughout the night inside the church.

According to the Chernivtsi Eparchy, this will be the 39th consecutive day of round-the-clock prayer vigil by parishioners of the cathedral, defending their right to confess the Orthodox faith.

As previously reported by the UOJ, on March 9, 2025, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, thousands of faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church participated in a festive procession around the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi.

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