UOC archimandrite beaten during seizure of Kremenchuk cathedral
The UOC priest injured during the seizure of the Kremenchuk cathedral. Photo: "Suspilne. Poltava"
On June 4, 2026, in Kremenchuk during the seizure of the Trinity Cathedral, supporters of Epifaniy Dumenko's structure beat UOC Archimandrite Joseph. The clergyman had to seek medical assistance after a group of individuals, with the support of law enforcement officers, broke into the church, reports "Suspilne. Poltava".
Archimandrite Joseph showed journalists his torn cassock and spoke about the cruel treatment by the attackers. "Look, they beat me, tore my cassock, pulled me with profanity, with threats that they would still kill me, pulled me by the hair," the priest shared.
The priest drew attention to the fact that the attackers, who position themselves as Orthodox Christians, actually showed hatred and openly threatened him with death. Archimandrite Joseph emphasized that the community does not recognize the legality of the raiders' actions and will defend their rights through legal proceedings, filing new lawsuits against the illegal re-registration.
As the UOJ reported, the Kremenchuk Eparchy commented on the situation around the Holy Trinity Cathedral. The eparchy noted that the community will use all mechanisms provided by law to protect their rights, emphasizing that issues of church usage should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
Read also
In England, Catholics have begun official dialogue with Pentecostals
In London, Catholics discussed with Pentecostals the possibilities for joint preaching of the Gospel.
Pentagon Excludes 180 Denominations from List of Recognized Religions
The Pentagon chief ordered to conceal the military ranks of military chaplains, emphasizing their priority service to God.
Archbishop of Cyprus to Metropolitan Tychicus: If you don't move out yourselves, I'll call the police
Former Metropolitan of Paphos Tychicus received a response from Archbishop George to his letter, where the primate threatens the hierarch with police if he refuses to vacate on time.
Militants kill 37 Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia
Radicals burned down the century-old Church of Archangel Gabriel and destroyed the homes of hundreds of believers during a large-scale attack.
UOC archimandrite beaten during seizure of Kremenchuk cathedral
A priest defending the church against seizure was dragged along the ground, grabbed by the hair, and showered with obscene insults by OCU supporters.
Yelensky: We expect OCU to become WWC member
The head of the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience (DESS) explained the impossibility of excluding the ROC from the World Council of Churches.