Kremenchuk Eparchy comments on situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral

Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in Kremenchuk. Photo: kremen-eparh.org

The Kremenchuk Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has commented on the situation around Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk amid reports circulating in the media and on social networks about a possible seizure of the church by OCU supporters.

In its official statement, the eparchy noted that reports about the alleged mandatory eviction of UOC clergy and parishioners from the cathedral do not change the fact that the religious community continues to defend its rights through lawful means.

“The UOC religious community continues to use all mechanisms provided by national and international law to protect its rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests,” the statement said.

The eparchy stressed that all issues concerning rights to church property and the use of the shrine must be resolved exclusively within the legal framework, in compliance with Ukrainian law and with respect for the religious rights of believers.

As the UOJ reported, OCU representatives earlier announced their intention to occupy Holy Trinity Cathedral immediately after its patronal feast of the Holy Trinity. In comments to the media, a representative of the Dumenko structure said OCU supporters had decided to wait until the UOC community completed its festive service, after which they planned to begin using the church for their own services.

Holy Trinity Cathedral has remained the subject of disputes for several years. UOC believers have repeatedly gathered to defend their shrine from attempted seizures by OCU supporters, stressing that the church was built and maintained through the efforts of the local Orthodox community.

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