Unknown man vandalizes ROCOR cathedral in Geneva
ROCOR's Holy Cross Cathedral in Geneva. Photo: Shutterstock
In Geneva, an unknown man attacked the Holy Cross Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. The incident occurred at around 11:46 p.m. on the night of May 15, 2026, RBC reports.
The perpetrator smashed a historic stained-glass window of the cathedral, created during the construction of the church itself some 160 years ago. After repeated attempts, the offender managed to get inside the building, where he tried to enter the altar. Security staff and local police promptly detained the suspect thanks to video surveillance.
Mitred Archpriest Emilian Pochinok personally arrived at the scene, after which law enforcement officers drew up an official report. The priest stressed that the vandal’s actions caused not only financial damage, but also the loss of part of the historical heritage of special value to the city’s Orthodox community. Police are currently continuing their investigation and working to establish the motive for the crime.
Holy Cross Cathedral is the principal church of the ROCOR Diocese of London and Western Europe. Swiss authorities have recognized the building as a cultural heritage site of national significance. The cathedral contains 22 historic stained-glass windows in all, 21 of which were made by Swiss craftsmen in 1863–1866. The damaged piece is expected to be restored after a full assessment of the extent of the destruction.
As the UOJ reported, unknown assailants attacked the cathedral of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Zagreb. The incident highlights the persistent risk of targeted attacks on Orthodox sites in Europe and the need for coordinated measures to protect them.
Read also
Bulgaria secures exclusion of Patriarch Kirill from EU sanctions
Bulgaria’s prime minister said the European Union accepted Sofia’s demand to exclude the ROC Primate from the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.
Rainbow glass sculpture of Christ installed in former Czech Catholic church
A rainbow-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ more than two meters tall has been installed in a former Catholic church in Všekary in the Plzeň Region.
Bulgarian priest condemns Church’s silence over murder of Sviatohirsk monk
Bulgarian Orthodox cleric Vladimir Doychev called the lack of a Church response to the death of Monk Varsonofiy a betrayal.
Vatican on Ukraine diplomacy: "The results are rather limited"
The Vatican has pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts despite the lack of progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Volyn TRC explains mobilization of UOC cathedral deacon in Volodymyr
The Volyn TRC says no force was used against the UOC deacon and that he was eligible for mobilization because he had no valid exemption or deferment.
Mukachevo Metropolitan consecrates altar for UOC community in Shenborn
Before the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Church in Shenborn, the hierarchs performed the rite of consecration of the altar.