OCU preparing to seize UOC church in Malynivka, Rivne Eparchy says

St. Paraskeva Church in the village of Malynivka. Photo: Rivne Eparchy

Attempts are continuing in the village of Malynivka, Rivne District, to organize a meeting on changing the jurisdiction of the religious community of St. Paraskeva Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The information was released by the press service of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC.

According to the eparchy, the parish is officially registered as a religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Malynivka.

According to the Hoshcha Deanery, local activists supporting the transfer of the parish to the OCU attempted to hold such a meeting in the village council building on July 11. However, according to available information, the meeting did not take place.

Unofficial sources indicate that another attempt is planned for July 18, this time in the local school building. The eparchy says the meeting may be held without the participation of members of the UOC religious community.

In response, the Hoshcha Deanery has called on clergy and faithful to intensify their prayers for peace, the unity of the Church, respect for the rule of law, and the prevention of conflict. The eparchy also appealed to everyone involved in the expected events to act strictly within the framework of Ukrainian law, respect the rights of the religious community, and avoid violence or confrontation.

As the UOJ previously reported, the Rivne Eparchy recently commented on the situation involving its 59-year-old clergyman who was mobilized.

Read also