Metropolitan Meletiy injured during seizure of UOC cathedral in Chernivtsi

Metropolitan Meletiy. Photo: Screenshot from video

On June 17, 2025, during the violent seizure of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna, the ruling hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the region, was injured.

Eyewitnesses report that tear gas was sprayed directly into the eyes of Metropolitan Meletiy, after which he was unable to move on his own. Faithful who were nearby laid him down on a bench and provided assistance.

The assault occurred amid the brutal invasion of the cathedral grounds by radical supporters of the OCU. Earlier reports detailed serious injuries sustained by UOC clergy and noted that the attackers were supported by police forces.

The UOJ had previously reported on the ongoing seizure of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi.

Read also

Ultra-Orthodox Jews paralyze traffic in Israel over arrest of draft evaders

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators blocked highways and railway tracks, demanding an end to the arrest of those refusing military service.

Patronal feast celebrated at Kherson cathedral damaged by shelling

Because of damage caused by Russian shelling, the festal Liturgy on the Day of the Holy Spirit was celebrated for the first time in the lower church of the Kherson Eparchy’s cathedral.

Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral

The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.

4,000 faithful celebrate patronal feast of Holy Spirit Skete of Pochaiv Lavra

The celebration of the Day of the Holy Spirit brought together pilgrims from across Ukraine at the skete of Pochaiv Lavra.

OCU supporters prepare to seize UOC church in Kolonshchyna

In a village in Kyiv Region, OCU supporters held what parishioners describe as an unlawful meeting to “transfer” a UOC parish, despite the religious community having already reaffirmed its loyalty to its Church.

His Beatitude officiates at Liturgy in Kyiv on Day of the Holy Spirit

At the church complex dedicated to the Icon of the Mother of God “Quick to Hear” in Kyiv, the Primate of the UOC celebrated the festal Liturgy and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.