In Varash, OCU's "inspection commission" fails to enter UOC cathedral

Parishioners in front of the UOC Transfiguration Cathedral in Varash. Photo: Pershyi Kozatskyi

On May 15, 2025, in Varash, Rivne region, several activists and clerics of the OCU, referring to themselves as an “inspection commission,” arrived at the UOC Transfiguration Cathedral to conduct an inventory of the property, reports Pershyi Kozatskyi, publishing footage from the scene.

The video shows dozens of parishioners at the entrance to the cathedral, while the OCU representatives were very few. A man in clerical vestments complained that his group had documents for the church, but they were not allowed inside. Police were present but did not intervene.

Pershyi Kozatskyi also reported that a local deputy was present at the scene. Journalists wrote that the OCU representatives left the cathedral grounds but remained waiting in a car nearby.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Varash authorities had announced a visit by the “inspection commission” to the UOC cathedral.

Read also

Moldova lacks capacity to maintain 800 temples it intends to seize from Church

According to the Minister of Culture, authorities plan to seize 800 churches from the Moldovan Church, but they lack the capability to manage them.

Court returns seized church to UOC community in Ivankiv

The appellate court declared invalid the re-registration of the UOC community of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the town of Ivankiv.

2,800-year-old seal with biblical symbols found in Israel

Israeli archaeologists have found a stone seal from the era of Judean kings with an inscription in ancient Hebrew.

Pope warns clergy against writing AI-based sermons

The head of the Roman Catholic Church warned priests about the risks of using digital technologies in ministry.

UOC parishes abroad hold memorial services on war anniversary

Clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church abroad prayed on the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Ukraine.

Persecuted UOC parish in Tovtry performs reading of Great Penitential Canon

Another Bukovynian community, deprived of its church, continues Great Lent services in an adapted facility.