UOC comments on situation with closed Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv

Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv. Photo: UOC

On August 20, the UOC said that for the third year in a row, the community of the Transfiguration Cathedral in Chernihiv has been unable to hold services in its church or celebrate its patronal feast there. This was reported by the press service of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The UOC recalled that on October 5, 2023, a commission from the Ministry of Culture sealed six religious buildings in Chernihiv, including the Transfiguration Cathedral, after which the faithful lost access to the shrine. At the time, the Ministry of Culture cited the unsatisfactory condition of several churches and the need for repair and restoration work.

The Church notes that after the cathedral was transferred to a state reserve, it has been used primarily as a museum and secular venue. Regular worship services are not held there, including according to the new calendar.

The UOC also recalled secular events held inside the cathedral. In particular, songs accompanied by guitar were performed near the altar, while earlier, according to the Church, museum staff had led female visitors directly into the altar area of the ancient church.

Performers dancing in front of holy relics in Chernihiv’s Transfiguration Cathedral. Photo: UOC

The UOC believes that these developments show that one of Chernihiv’s oldest sacred sites is effectively being turned into a secular venue. The faithful see the situation as disregard for the cathedral’s sacred significance and an affront to their religious feelings.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that pilgrims from Zakarpattia expressed support for the persecuted UOC community in Kerstentsi.

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