Man on trial in Ternopil Region for criticizing trident symbols in churches
Fresco with the trident in the OCU cathedral in Kremenets. Photo: Typical Kremenets
In Ternopil Oblast, a criminal case has been opened against a man who criticized on social media the use of state symbols in churches, reports the outlet Za Zbruchem. Law enforcement authorities are charging the 63-year-old defendant with “inciting religious enmity.”
According to the pre-trial investigation, he “spoke negatively about reforms in the religious sphere, actively criticized the placement of the trident in churches and on icons, repeatedly denigrated official state symbols, and incited hostility and hatred among believers of different confessions.”
The man faces up to three years in prison. The case is being overseen by the Ternopil Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that OCU clergy have been placing the trident on liturgical headwear.
Read also
OCU covers saints’ frescoes with Ukrainian flags in seized Odesa church
Supporters of the OCU have held their first service in a church seized from the UOC in Odesa.
OCU cleric compares Zelensky to Prophet Moses
During a speech at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, an OCU cleric demanded state assistance for communities that "chose the path of freedom" from Moscow.
Authorities attempt to legalize seizure of Cherkasy cathedral, media reports
Cherkasy prosecutor's office demanded that city authorities transfer the cathedral to communal ownership.
UOC Chancellor consecrates church in Boryspil
Metropolitan Anthony consecrated St. Elijah's Chucrh and officiated at the Divine Liturgy in Brovary.
Zelensky: We are preparing for millennium of symbolic place of our strength
The President signed a decree launching preparations for the 1,000th anniversary of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which will mark 975 years since its foundation in August 2026.
Zelensky says where Mazepa monument will be erected in Kyiv
A monument to Hetman Ivan Mazepa will be erected on Shevchenko Boulevard in Kyiv – at the site where the monument to Lenin was toppled in December 2013.