Police in Chernivtsi block UOC faithful from accessing cathedral grounds
Police on the grounds of the UOC Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: Screenshot from t.me/dozor_kozak1
On June 17, 2025, police in Chernivtsi barred faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from entering the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which had been seized by representatives of the OCU.
Eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene show that police are supporting the raiders.
The cathedral is completely blocked off. Armed militants in balaclavas are stationed on the grounds, assaulting anyone who attempts to stop the takeover of the sacred site.
Rather than intervening to stop the violence, police formed a human barrier to prevent UOC believers from reaching the cathedral.
Eyewitnesses report that several clergy who were attacked by radicals sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized by emergency medical teams.
The UOJ previously reported that OCU raiders broke the ribs of a UOC priest during the assault.
We also reported that the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi is currently undergoing a forceful takeover.
Read also
Lotysh tells US delegation about "development of OCU monastic community" in Lavra
Avrahamiy Lotysh discussed with American diplomats the “establishment” of a monastic community of his structure on the monastery’s territory.
Christians face "polite persecution" in the EU, Romanian bishop
A hierarch of the Romanian Church criticized Europe for modern approaches to tolerance.
Parishioner tells UOJ about attack on church in Zagreb
A believer of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Zagreb–Ljubljana Metropolis called for seeing in what happened to the shrine something more than mere vandalism.
Met. Theodosiy: Miserable part of clergy went to OCU in Cherkasy region
The head of the Cherkasy Eparchy noted the faithfulness of priests and the strengthening of UOC communities under pressure.
Fear has no power where there is faith in Christ, sermon near Lavra says
The priest at the prayer vigil reminded the faithful of the power of living faith, confirmed by saints and martyrs.
About 150 Israelis invade Al-Aqsa Mosque grounds in Jerusalem
Israelis conducted Jewish rituals at Al-Aqsa. The foreign ministries of eight Muslim countries condemned these actions.