Vinnytsia region bans religious processions and pilgrimages until December

Representatives of the authorities and law enforcement agencies of the Vinnytsia region. Photo: Facebook page of the Regional Council of Churches and Religious Organizations

In the Vinnytsia region, local authorities have banned mass religious events outside church buildings from April 4 to December 1, 2026. The decision became known following a meeting of the secretariat of the regional Council of Churches and Religious Organizations, where participants discussed security measures for the Easter season.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant communities, as well as officials from the regional military administration, the police, and special services.

Government representatives said the decision to prohibit cross processions, pilgrimages, and mass outdoor prayer gatherings had been adopted by the region’s Defense Council.

According to Yulii Mandryk, acting head of the Department for Nationalities and Religions at the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, the restrictions were introduced “to ensure security, prevent sabotage, and protect citizens from possible missile strikes.” The official insisted that the ban applies equally to all religious organizations and is not directed against any particular confession.

As the UOJ previously reported, warming stations were set up in churches of the Vinnytsia eparchy of the UOC during the winter.

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