OCU cleric spotted among the bandits assaulting UOC believers in Bukovyna

Roman Hryshchuk (left and centre) and the UOC parishioner who suffered a head injury by the raiders. Photo: UOJ

On the night of 8 April 2025, in the village of Verkhni Stanivtsi, Chernivtsi region, a group of radicals attempted to seize a temple of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The UOJ obtained video evidence proving that among the attackers was Roman Hryshchuk, a “chaplain” of the OCU.

According to eyewitnesses, a group of unidentified individuals arrived at the church during the night and made a forceful attempt to take it over. Believers who were keeping vigil at the church resisted, resulting in a scuffle. Parishioners testified that women were beaten during the confrontation, one of whom suffered a head injury.

Parishioners identified the OCU “chaplain” Roman Hryshchuk among the attackers and captured his presence on video. The OCU representative was wearing a hoodie with the hood up, clearly attempting to avoid recognition.

While filming, the believers confronted him with questions: 

“Hryshchuk, how can you break in like that?” 

“Your lads are beating women!” 

“You’ve smashed our sister’s head!” 

“One of yours hit me several times!”

The believers also asked Hryshchuk, who had led the break-in at the Orthodox church, how he viewed the commandment “Thou shalt not steal” but he gave no reply.

Later, the raiders were subjected to a “walk of shame” and left the church grounds.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the police are sabotaging the investigation against OCU cleric Hryshchuk.

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