200 faithful in Stari Broskivtsi celebrate patronal feast outside their church

Faithful of Stari Broskivtsi, Chernivtsi Eparchy of the UOC. Photo: Facebook page of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy of the UOC

On July 12, 2025, the religious community of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul in the village of Stari Broskivtsi, Chernivtsi Eparchy of the UOC, celebrated its patronal feast for the first time outside its own church.

According to our correspondent, despite the difficult circumstances, more than 200 people attended the Divine Liturgy. The service was led by Archimandrite Vissarion (Chikal), concelebrated by Protopriest Vitalii Belyk and invited clergy. Prayers were offered for Ukraine, its defenders, and for help for those in need and suffering.

Protopriest Vitalii Belyk, who has remained loyal to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church and refused offers to transfer to another jurisdiction, spoke to UOJ.

The rector of the community noted that under such conditions, the unity of believers is felt especially strongly:

“People glorify God and see the love given to us by Him. We will always preach peace and the love that lives in everyone’s heart. If there is love in the heart, there will be peace in the family, in the country, and in the world. After every Liturgy I say: ‘Peace to your hearts, to your families, and to our people.’ I have said these words since the beginning of the war and will always say them – because peace begins with ourselves,” the priest said.

As a reminder, the church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was seized by OCU clergy on May 20, 2025. According to the community, the illegal transfer of jurisdiction and the takeover were orchestrated by a serial OCU raider, Roman Hryshchuk.

Now the faithful are forced to pray outdoors, but their spirit remains unbroken.

Earlier, UOJ reported that after the seizure in Stari Broskivtsi, the community has been serving under the open sky.

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