Persecuted UOC community of Rynhach village celebrates patronal feast
The patronal feast of the persecuted UOC community in Rynhach. Photo: Believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy on Facebook
In the village of Rynhach of the Novoselytsia Deanery on May 21, 2026, the persecuted UOC community of the Lord's Ascension celebrated its patronal feast. The faithful performed solemn prayer in a specially arranged room for divine services. As reported by believers of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy on Facebook, the clergy of the eparchy came to share the joy with the parish rector, priest Maksym Kostiuk.
Despite all external trials, parishioners maintain unity and devotion to Orthodoxy. The faithful gather for Liturgy in modest conditions, but with great spiritual joy. During the festive service, people offered common thanksgiving to God and asked for His mercy and protection. This day became a testimony to the steadfastness of the community, which continues full church life and looks to the future with hope.
The faithful lost their church on May 20, 2023. Then an armed group of radicals used force against the priest and parishioners who were preparing the church grounds for the feast. During the seizure, the raiders used rebar and fists, and also beat Father Seraphim and a woman, the church warden. Since that moment, the faithful have been deprived of the opportunity to pray in their cathedral and conduct services in an adapted room.
As the UOJ reported, the UOC religious community in the village of Zadubrivka celebrated its patronal feast in a specially arranged house church. Now the persecuted community is building a new church of Saint Amphilochius of Pochaiv and continues full church life despite pressure.
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