After Chernivtsi mass brawl, Ukraine urges Romanian Church to recognize OCU
Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania Ihor Prokopchuk. Photo: Saul Pop
On June 26, 2025, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Romania, Ihor Prokopchuk, demanded full recognition of the OCU by the Romanian Orthodox Church, stating that it "would strengthen relations and trust between the nations of our countries," reports the Romanian publication agerpres.
"I emphasize the paramount importance of the issue of full recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the Romanian Orthodox Church," said Ihor Prokopchuk at a press conference.
Paradoxically, the diplomat referred to the bloodbath that OCU militants staged on June 17 during the attempted seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi.
He stated that "our interest lies in ensuring that this process (of the OCU recognition by the Romanian Church - Ed.) is completed as soon as possible."
“There are no ethnic motives in this conflict, which arose between two religious organizations (…) the Orthodox Church of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the aegis of Moscow,” stated Prokopchuk, adding that many people in Bukovina “do not want to associate themselves with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.”
The ambassador assured that Russia is interested in the OCU's attack on the UOC cathedral, as it "would increase the level of distrust between Romania and Ukraine". He promised that the authorities would "take measures to ensure that disputes in the region are resolved peacefully."
Earlier, the UOJ reported that an EP member called on Romania to condemn the violence against priests in Chernivtsi.
Read also
UOC hierarchs mark 30th anniversary of Holovchyntsi Convent's revival
UOC bishops and clergy of the eparchy congratulated the abbess of the Transfiguration Convent and her sisters on the memorable date.
UOC cleric discusses life of Ukrainian parishes with Hungarian official
A UOC priest and a Hungarian official paid particular attention to issues of practical interaction between Ukrainian parishes and government authorities.
Ukrposhta issues stamp featuring Lavra for Soviet-era reserve's anniversary
The new postal block, issued in a print run of 40,000 copies, depicts the Lavra's churches, bell tower, and ancient frescoes.
Met. Theodosiy links his criminal case to ex-prosecutor named in NABU tapes
A Cherkasy court extended Metropolitan Theodosiy’s preventive measure for another two months – until November 29, 2026.
Stefanchuk: Seeking UCCRO-LGBT compromise on new Civil Code
The Verkhovna Rada speaker said the working group is seeking a broad public compromise as it revises the draft of the new Civil Code.
Rabbi thanks SBU for arresting Ukrainian over antisemitic threats
Moshe Azman called for those who incite religious hatred to be held accountable, warning that the line between online threats and real-world violence can be very thin.