During church raid in Chernivtsi, police threw ruling bishop to the ground
Metropolitan Meletiy on the ground during the seizure of the cathedral. Photo: UOJ
On June 17, 2025, during the seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi, police used force against Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi. This is confirmed by video footage obtained by the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
In the video, the hierarch is seen lying on the ground surrounded by police officers, while parishioners rush to assist him.
“They threw the Vladyka down, they beat him,” one of the faithful says, pointing to an officer in a balaclava who is trying to retreat.
Several people struggle to lift the Metropolitan from the ground and give him water. The balaclava is torn off the officer’s head.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that during the assault, police sprayed Metropolitan Meletiy with tear gas. The faithful who were nearby laid him on a bench and rendered first aid.
Read also
Procession from Kamianets Arrives at Pochaiv Lavra
UOC faithful covered about 250 kilometers over seven days to reach the Pochaiv monastery.
Egyptian Court Postpones Ruling on St. Catherine's Monastery in Sinai
The postponement of the ruling gives the parties time to complete negotiations on the legal status of St. Catherine's Monastery.
Court Opens Proceedings Over Property of the UOC Cherkasy Diocese
The hearing of the lawsuit concerning the building complex of the UOC Cherkasy Diocese has been scheduled for September 17.
Hierarchs of Jerusalem Call to Prevent the Exodus of Christians from Palestine
In an address to Palestinian Christians, the hierarchs urged them not to leave the Holy Land and not to lose hope.
40 people killed in gang attack on Protestant church in Haiti
In Haiti, armed men attacked a church where families who had fled their homes due to gang violence had taken shelter.
Former Grand Mufti of Syria sentenced to life imprisonment
A criminal court in Damascus sentenced the former religious leader to life imprisonment for incitement to violence and justification of killings.