Photos show turnout at Transfiguration service in seized UOC Chernihiv church

OCU service at Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv on the feast of the Transfiguration. Photo: Facebook

On August 10, 2026, photos were posted online showing an OCU service for the feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv, which had previously been taken from the UOC community, Archimandrite Iona (Cherepanov) reported on his Facebook page.

The images show that during the festive service, a large part of the spacious cathedral remained empty. Only a few dozen people can be seen in different parts of the church, with considerably more empty space than areas occupied by worshippers.

On this topic In Chernihiv cathedral, drama theater artists dance in front of holy relics

The author of the post drew attention to the small number of people attending the service on one of the most widely celebrated Orthodox feasts. This was particularly noticeable compared with earlier services of the UOC community, when Trinity Cathedral was filled with worshippers.

Trinity Cathedral had previously been used by the UOC community. After UOC clergy and faithful were denied access to the shrine, the church was transferred to the OCU, whose representatives now hold services and other events there.

The new photos once again showed the current situation in the cathedral: despite the size of the building and the feast day, comparatively few people attended the OCU service.

Earlier, UOJ reported that the UOC called the empty Trinity Cathedral in Chernihiv a symbol of de-Christianization.

Read also

Bulgaria secures exclusion of Patriarch Kirill from EU sanctions

Bulgaria’s prime minister said the European Union accepted Sofia’s demand to exclude the ROC Primate from the 21st package of sanctions against Russia.

Rainbow glass sculpture of Christ installed in former Czech Catholic church

A rainbow-colored sculpture of Jesus Christ more than two meters tall has been installed in a former Catholic church in Všekary in the Plzeň Region.

Bulgarian priest condemns Church’s silence over murder of Sviatohirsk monk

Bulgarian Orthodox cleric Vladimir Doychev called the lack of a Church response to the death of Monk Varsonofiy a betrayal.

Vatican on Ukraine diplomacy: "The results are rather limited"

The Vatican has pledged to continue its diplomatic efforts despite the lack of progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.

Volyn TRC explains mobilization of UOC cathedral deacon in Volodymyr

The Volyn TRC says no force was used against the UOC deacon and that he was eligible for mobilization because he had no valid exemption or deferment.

Mukachevo Metropolitan consecrates altar for UOC community in Shenborn

Before the Divine Liturgy at St. Michael’s Church in Shenborn, the hierarchs performed the rite of consecration of the altar.