Police fine organizer of cross procession to Slatina Monastery

Cross procession to Krasnoilsk Monastery. Photo: Facebook page of Chernivtsi Eparchy faithful

Police in the Chernivtsi region fined the organizer of the traditional UOC cross procession to the women’s monastery of St. John of Suceava in the settlement of Krasnoilsk, the outlet Molodyi Bukovynets reported.

Law enforcement officers accused the believer of violating the procedure for organizing assemblies and rallies, although the participants in the procession prayed for peace in Ukraine and protection for Ukrainian soldiers.

Police spokesperson Karolina Marysheva said administrative materials had been drawn up against the organizer under Article 185-1 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. The department insists the event was illegal, citing a 2022 decision of the defense council under the Chernivtsi Regional Military Administration.

The faithful of Bukovyna traditionally make this pilgrimage on the eve of the feast day of the Great Martyr John the New of Suceava. Throughout the entire route, participants offered prayers for peace on Ukrainian soil, for the preservation of the Church, and for God’s blessing upon the defenders of the homeland. One of the churches of Slatina Monastery is consecrated in honor of this saint, who is especially venerated in the region as a confessor of the Orthodox faith.

As the UOJ reported, the organizers of a cross procession to Bancheny Monastery were fined.

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