UOC faithful expel raiders from cathedral in Chernivtsi
UOC believers inside the cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: Screenshot from video
On June 17, 2025, after hours of confrontation, the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church successfully defended the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi from seizure by radicals affiliated with the OCU.
Following negotiations with police, the peaceful parishioners agreed to form a "corridor" to allow the attackers to exit the premises without further violence. As a result, police escorted the group of militants off the church grounds.
As the radicals departed, believers chanted “Shame!” to express their outrage at the actions of the attackers and their enablers.
The group of radicals was led to police buses, boarded them, and was removed from the cathedral grounds. Police left the premises alongside the raiders.
The Cathedral of the Holy Spirit is once again in the hands of its canonical community. Believers have gathered in prayer, giving thanks to God for the protection of their holy sanctuary.
It is worth noting that over 1,000 parishioners arrived within the hour to defend the cathedral.
The UOJ previously reported on the attempted takeover of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi.
Read also
Festivities to honor St. Anthony of the Caves begin at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
On the eve of the feast of the founder of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry led the All-Night Vigil at the Church of St. Agapitus.
Zhytomyr Eparchy pilgrims meet Patriarch Theophilos in Jerusalem
Pilgrims from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church venerated the holy sites of the Holy Land and received the blessing of the Primate of the Jerusalem Church.
Deaths outnumber births nearly four to one in Ukraine – official data
During the first half of the year, 73,000 children were born in Ukraine, while nearly 260,000 people died.
Odesa marks feast of uncovering of St. Gabriel of Athos’ relics
Metropolitan Agafangel celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Odesa’s St. Elijah Monastery on the feast of the uncovering of the relics of the monastery’s founder.
Hearing in DESS lawsuit against UOC's Kyiv Metropolis postponed
The court postponed consideration of the DESS lawsuit seeking the dissolution of the UOC’s Kyiv Metropolis until September 10.
UK appoints first Catholic prime minister
Britain’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, was raised in a Catholic family, attended Catholic schools, and has spoken publicly about his faith on numerous occasions.