Provocation planned against Metropolitan Onuphry in Khmelnytskyi

Garbage trucks outside the Khmelnytskyi cathedral where Metropolitan Onuphry is to serve. Photo: Telegram channel "Popik"

On May 21, 2025, local authorities in Khmelnytskyi are reportedly preparing a provocation against the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Onuphry, who is expected to lead the All-Night Vigil at St. Nicholas Cathedral.

The day before, local deputy Oleksandr Chornievych announced a protest rally against the service, scheduled for 3:00 PM.

“Russian agents in Ukraine – uocmp–roc – plan to hold a sabbath in Khmelnytskyi, and it will be led by a full member of the synod of the russian orthodox church, Onuphry Berezovsky! So, on 21.05.2025, the conscious residents of Khmelnytskyi will gather at 3:00 PM at 2b Svobody Street, near St. Nicholas Cathedral, to express their civic stance! Opposition to everything russian must be total and constant!” Chornievych wrote.

On the day of the service, he added: “Every church in Khmelnytskyi Oblast must be freed from the Moscow shackles of the uocmp–roc! Action is needed immediately!”

Photos circulating on local social media show that by 3:00 PM, municipal authorities had brought garbage trucks and sewage disposal vehicles to St. Nicholas Cathedral. Around a hundred activists gathered near the equipment, while parishioners assembled on the other side to attend the service.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Primate of the UOC is to lead the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy.

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