Chernivtsi’s Holy Spirit Cathedral prays for all persecuted for their faith

Faithful of the UOC at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: "UOC Eparchy Faithful" FB page

On June 19, 2025, a special prayer service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi for all believers who have suffered for their faithfulness to canonical Orthodoxy. The event was reported on the “UOC Eparchy Faithful” Facebook page.

The service was led by Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk and Kolomyia, concelebrated by clergy of the eparchy. The prayers were dedicated to all those who have endured humiliation, violence, and persecution for their commitment to the UOC, as well as those who fell victim to the violent assault on the Holy Spirit Cathedral.

"All the victims of the barbaric assault on the Holy Spirit Cathedral were commemorated in prayer. The actions of the OCU were not merely an attack – they were an attempt to destroy the spirit, to erase historical truth, to trample on the sacred. But the Church of Christ stands and will continue to stand! No betrayal, no violence will break those who preserve a pure and unshakable faith," the eparchy's statement reads.

Earlier, on June 17, supporters of the OCU attempted to seize the cathedral. After hours of confrontation, involving clergy, parishioners, and police, the seizure was ultimately prevented.

During the attempted takeover of the cathedral, both clergy and peaceful parishioners were injured. Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna was sprayed in the face with tear gas – rendering him unable to move on his own and requiring assistance.

According to the cathedral community, at least 60,000 hryvnias were stolen from the church, and OCU supporters entered the building by pretending to be persons with disabilities.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the cathedral community in Chernivtsi had appealed to the President and the Ombudsman for protection.

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