A prayer service was held in the Chernivtsi cathedral on the anniversary of its failed seizure

Thanksgiving prayer service at the Chernivtsi cathedral on the anniversary of its failed seizure. Photo: SPJ

On June 17, 2026, a divine service was held at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of Chernivtsi. Believers gathered to mark in prayer the anniversary of the defense of the shrine, which exactly one year ago supporters of the OCU attempted to seize. Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna and Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets took part in the thanksgiving prayer service.

Before the prayer service began, Metropolitan Meletiy addressed those gathered. He recalled that the events of a year ago brought the community much pain, but became an important test. According to the hierarch, the believers passed this trial with dignity.

"Today we thank God that we passed this test with dignity, because the people were able to preserve the shrine so that prayer could continue here," the archpastor emphasized. He noted that the Lord granted the people of Bukovyna to show steadfastness and courage, openly demonstrating their faith in a difficult hour.

After the prayer service concluded, Metropolitan Serhiy delivered a word of instruction. He thanked the faithful for the opportunity to share with them the joy of prayer and noted that during the time of trials the Church was united in love and hope. "The Lord has crowned us to be one also in Christ's victory," the hierarch stated.

He called upon the flock to continue entrusting themselves with reverence and humility into the hands of God, since it is precisely humility before the Creator that brings a person true joy both on earth and in heaven.

As SPJ reported, Chernivtsi denied information about a court ruling regarding the cathedral.

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