UOC community of Pryiutivka appeals to US officials over threats and terror from OCU

The UOC community in Pryiutivka. Photo: kozakTv1

The UOC community of Saint Great Martyr George the Victorious of the Oleksandria Eparchy of the UOC in the village of Pryiutivka, Kyrovohrad region, has appealed to the international community and US authorities for protection from ongoing persecution, reports kozakTv1.

On January 24, 2026, another attempt to seize the community's property occurred – this time the Sunday school building, where UOC believers have recently been conducting services. A group of OCU activists led by the notorious cleric Oleh Don attempted to storm the premises. Parishioners no longer have access to the main building of the Saint George Church as raiders had managed to take it over.

Police were called to the scene of the incident and, according to sources, behaved correctly and fulfilled their duty to maintain order. The raiders failed to capture the Sunday school, but this was obviously not the last attempt at storming.

As the community reports, persecution began in May 2023. In 2023, the religious community as a legal entity was transferred to OCU jurisdiction without the consent of parishioners. Since then, attempts to seize church property have not ceased.

In an appeal addressed to competent authorities, the international community, and US Vice President J.D. Vance, believers ask for protection of their rights as parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

"We as believing Orthodox Christians are forced to constantly defend ourselves from attacks on our temple. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church today is subjected to persecution, mockery, barbarism and oppression," the appeal states.

Oleh Don has repeatedly participated in attacks on UOC clergy and is the main organizer of church property seizures in the region.

As a reminder, on September 1, 2024, raiders in camouflage seized a UOC temple in Pryiutivka. They used fire extinguishers and tear gas against the priest and parishioners.

Read also