UOC сhurch in Chernihiv Region burned down by unknown perpetrators

On the night of August 21, 2023, unknown individuals set fire to the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in the village of Khaliavyn, Chernihiv Region, resulting in the destruction of the bell tower, roof, and ceiling structures of the church, according to the press service of the Chernihiv Diocese.

The diocese reported that the fire also damaged certain structural elements of the walls and community property.

Additionally, eyewitnesses at the scene of the arson found a canister with traces of gasoline.

“The fire destroyed the bell tower, burned four modern bells recently purchased with community funds, and an antique pre-revolutionary bell,” the UOC added.

Inside the church, all liturgical items were covered in soot after the fire was extinguished.

At the same time, the diocese noted that there had been no religious conflicts in the village, and Archpriest Vadym Malyshko, who has served as the church’s rector since 2001, is well respected in the community.

As previously reported, a UOC church dedicated to St. Job of Pochaiv was also burned down in the Chernivtsi Region.