In Chernivtsi, OCU provocateurs come to UOC cathedral for "prayer service"

Provocateurs of the OCU near the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: UOJ

On October 10, 2025, clerics of the OCU attempted to enter the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi under the pretext of performing a prayer service. The cathedral's clerics did not allow them onto the premises and called the police, the cathedral community reports.

Sitting in the police bus, the OCU clerics told Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk that they had the "blessing of Bishop Theognost to perform prayer services" and were "residents of Chernivtsi".

"Can you understand that this is impossible? There is local clergy here who will do this without your help," Bishop Nikita replied, demanding the visitors to show their IDs and registration. The OCU clerics began to protest, asking, "Why are we not allowed to enter an Orthodox cathedral, being Orthodox people?" And Bishop Nikita reminded them of the events four months ago.

"Do you want to repeat June 17, 2025?" the bishop asked. The bishop explained that the OCU clerics belong to "another denomination" and suggested they prove their rights to the church through the court. "Prayer services are held here without your participation. They are held daily," he emphasized. The provocateurs refused to give their names.

According to the UOJ, the provocateurs left, but the situation remains tense.

As reported, on June 17, 2025, clerics of the OCU brought militants by bus to the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC, where they carried out a violent raid on the church. As a result of the attack, UOC clergy were brutally beaten, and the church's treasury was looted. The hired thugs ("titushky") attempted to seize the cathedral.

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