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
Czech Roman Catholic bishop condemns murder of Sviatohirsk Lavra monk
Bishop of the RCC Václav Malý called for a fair investigation into the attack on the Sviatohirsk Lavra.
Dnipropetrovsk Metropolitan offers condolences to victims of shelling
Metropolitan Irenei called for a joint prayer for the deceased residents and the injured medical workers and rescuers.
Lawyer reports threats against UOC defenders in court
UOC lawyers are preparing appeals to law enforcement agencies due to systematic threats against them.
DESS recommends holding services online during air threat
DESS has published rules for holding religious services during an air raid alert.
Analyst: Ending the war is key condition for Ukrainian nation's survival
Oleksiy Kushch stated that if the war continues, the Ukrainian nation risks reaching a point of no return in its demographic crisis.
Lawyers continue accepting statements in defense of Kyiv Metropolis in court
UOC lawyers have published document templates and step-by-step instructions for believers wishing to submit statements in the DESS lawsuit.