Panka persecuted UOC community celebrates patronal feast in a house church
After the Divine Liturgy, a procession took place around the house church. Photo: UOJ
On November 5, 2025, the persecuted community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Panka, Storozhynets Deanery, prayerfully celebrated its patronal feast in a house church dedicated to Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki.
Despite the loss of their temple and pressure from supporters of the OCU, the faithful gathered to glorify their heavenly protector. The festive service was led by the parish rector, concelebrated by the clergy of the deanery. Many believers came to support the community that has remained loyal to the canonical Church.
After the Divine Liturgy, a procession with icons and banners was held around the house church. The faithful offered prayers to Saint Demetrius, asking the Lord for peace, protection, and strength in faith. Despite hardships, the community continues to hold services and preserve its vibrant church life.
It should be recalled that on April 5, 2025, in the village of Panka, Chernivtsi region, representatives of the OCU, supported by a group of raiders who had no connection to the village or the local parish, carried out a violent seizure of the UOC’s Church of Saint Demetrius.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Vyshhorod clergy had expressed support for the persecuted UOC community in Novosilky.
Read also
Lavra Reserve and OCU sign memorandum on preservation of caves and relics
The memorandum was signed by Reserve Director Kotliarevska and “Bishop” A. Lotysh.
Estonia’s Supreme Court to review president’s complaint over law on churches
The Constitutional Court of Estonia will consider President Karis’s petition regarding the compliance of the law on churches with the national Constitution.
Azov holds “sacral mystery” for the Day of the Dead
A pagan rite dedicated to the Day of the Dead was carried out by the Azov Brigade.
Patriarch Theophilos invites Palestine president to Christmas in Bethlehem
The Jerusalem Patriarchate has invited representatives of the Palestinian authorities to the Christmas service at the Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Shevchuk predicts “hard decades” for Ukraine due to demographic catastrophe
The birth rate has fallen to 0.6 children per family. The head of the UGCC called for helping the Ukrainian family, but without coercion “as in totalitarian regimes.”
UGCC head: Today Christ becomes a Ukrainian warrior
Shevchuk, in his reflections on the Nativity of Christ, pointed out that the Savior has become a Ukrainian warrior today.