Metropolitan Meletiy: The OCU has once again revealed its true face

Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna. Photo: UOJ
On June 17, 2025, after UOC believers succeeded in expelling OCU militants from the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi addressed the faithful, according to a UOJ correspondent.
The hierarch expressed gratitude to the Christians of Bukovyna for their steadfast faith, their stand for the Truth, and their complete trust in God.
He emphasized that the events which unfolded at the sacred site were of grave and far-reaching significance:
“All of Ukraine – and not only Ukraine – the entire Orthodox world now sees what took place here. What happened is that the OCU has once again shown its true face,” he said.
The UOJ previously reported that during the violent assault on the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi, OCU supporters inflicted severe bodily injuries on UOC cleric Archpriest Vitaliy Honcharuk. Preliminary reports indicate he suffered broken ribs and possible internal injuries and was urgently hospitalized.
Metropolitan Meletiy had also earlier issued appeals to Patriarch Bartholomew and Epifaniy.
Read also
Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy marks 30 years since restoration
The Pantanassa Icon and relics of Prince Volodymyr have arrived in Kovel and will visit churches across the Volodymyr-Volynskyi Eparchy to mark the 30th anniversary of the restoration of the episcopal see.
Bukovyna faithful bring humanitarian aid to Kherson region residents
The UOC’s Chernivtsi Eparchy delivered food to Holy Spirit Cathedral in Kherson.
Ukraine must have its own faith: Poroshenko's party lays out peace terms
Poroshenko’s party European Solidarity described church policy as a matter of national sovereignty and said there can be no compromises in this area.
432 UOC churches damaged in Ukraine during war, report says
According to the Religion on Fire project, 807 religious buildings in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed as a result of hostilities.
DESS official gives number of clergy exempt from mobilization in Ukraine
A DESS representative said the actual number of clergy exempt from mobilization is significantly lower than the number of religious organizations designated as critical.
Cabinet keeps gas prices unchanged for religious organizations
The Cabinet has fixed gas prices for religious organizations through the end of the 2026–2027 heating season.