Prayer service held in Chernivtsi cathedral on anniversary of failed seizure

Thanksgiving prayer service in the Chernivtsi cathedral on the anniversary of its failed seizure. Photo: UOJ

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

Before the prayer service began, Metropolitan Meletiy addressed those present. He recalled that the events of a year ago had brought the community much pain, but had also become an important test. According to the hierarch, the faithful passed that test with dignity.

“Today we thank God that we passed this test worthily, because people were able to preserve the shrine so that prayer could continue here,” the archpastor emphasized. He noted that the Lord had deemed the people of Bukovyna worthy to show steadfastness and courage, openly bearing witness to their faith in a difficult hour.

After the prayer service, Metropolitan Sergiy offered 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 remained united in love and hope. “The Lord has crowned us with being united also in Christ’s victory,” the hierarch said.

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

As the UOJ reported, reports of a court ruling on the cathedral in Chernivtsi were refuted.

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