Zelensky awards OCU cleric who oversaw Chernivtsi cathedral seizure
Ivan Chokaliuk with his uncle Epifaniy. Photo: UOJ
Volodymyr Zelensky awarded the OCU cleric, Ivan Chokaliuk, who oversaw the militants, who beat UOC priests during an attempted seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi on June 17, 2025. This was reported by the Chernivtsi RMA on its official Facebook page.
By the decree of President Zelensky No. 424/2025 "On state awards of Ukraine on the occasion of the Constitution Day of Ukraine," the OCU cleric Ivan Chokaliuk received the Order of Merit, 3d Class.
The order was issued "for significant merits in strengthening Ukrainian statehood, courage and dedication shown in defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, a significant personal contribution to the development of various spheres of public life, upholding the national interests of our state, and conscientious fulfillment of professional duty."
Earlier, the UOJ published a video proving that the seizure in Chernivtsi was overseen by Epifaniy's uncle, Ivan Chokaliuk.
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