Media: OCU raiders attempt to seize UOC church in Zastavna, Bukovyna
Seizure of the UOC Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Zastavna. Photo: Dozor
A group of raiders from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) broke through a fence and stormed the grounds of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the village of Zastavna, Chernivtsi region, according to the Dozor Telegram channel.
Representatives of Dumenko’s structure attacked Orthodox believers and began forcing their way onto the church property.
Journalists noted that the police present at the scene did nothing as the raiders shoved the faithful aside.
The security forces became active only near the church building, where they pushed out the believers and formed a corridor for the raiders.
Footage shows a cleric of the OCU personally breaking down the church doors.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a parishioner of a seized church in Krasyliv said to her son: “While you’re in the trenches, the police are waging war inside the church.”
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.