OCU raider overseeing church seizures awarded for "spiritual contribution"
Roman Hryshchuk during the seizure of the St. Nicholas Church in Verkhni Stanivtsi. Photo: UOJ
Roman Hryshchuk, a serial OCU raider who oversees the takeovers of UOC churches in Bukovina, has been named a recipient of the Ohienko Award, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism of the Zhytomyr Regional Administration.
Hryshchuk was awarded in the category of “Socio-political and Spiritual Activity.”
The Ohienko Prize has been awarded since 1995 to individuals recognized for their contributions to the development of spirituality, culture, and interethnic and interfaith harmony.
In 2024, the award in the same category was given to Epifaniy Dumenko. Apparently, the organizers – just as in Hryshchuk’s case – praised his "outstanding" contribution to promoting so-called “interfaith harmony.”
It will be reminded that Hryshchuk has twice attempted to seize the St. Nicholas Church in Verkhni Stanivtsi. During the first attempt, he arrived at night wearing a hood to conceal his face and used an angle grinder and crowbar to break into the church.
Read also
UOC cleric shares details of attempted takeover of Odesa’s Trinity Cathedral
The priest described how OCU raiders allegedly falsified documents in an attempt to take over the Odesa Eparchy cathedral.
UA Baptist leader to US audience: There is no religious persecution in Ukraine
Valeriy Antoniuk called reports of restrictions on religious freedom and persecution in Ukraine enemy propaganda.
UGCC bishop urges Hungarian minister to back Ukraine’s EU integration
A UGCC bishop urged the Hungarian authorities to support Ukraine’s accession to the EU, pointing to the price Ukrainians have paid for their European choice.
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra relics go on display in London
Seven relics from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have gone on display at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
Odesa Eparchy organizes aid for victims of attacks
Volunteers and priests of the Odesa Eparchy are preparing humanitarian aid for those affected by the attacks.
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy supports families of fallen soldiers
A project of the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy combines prayer and psychological support for families of fallen soldiers.