OCU preparing to seize major UOC churches in Chernivtsi – source: UPDATED
The takeover in Chernivtsi may be as violent as in Cherkasy. Believers are urged to pray.
Activists of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) are preparing a forceful seizure of the main churches of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi, including the Holy Spirit Cathedral, as well as the St. Nicholas and Sts. Peter and Paul churches, according to the Telegram channel LAVRA live, citing its own sources in the Ivano-Frankivsk Regional Military Administration.
The assault is planned for the evening or night of February 19.
The channel's authors report that, in addition to taking over the cathedral, the raiders aim to make an example of the believers of the Chernivtsi Diocese, who had appealed to U.S. authorities for protection of their religious rights and freedoms.
*"We urge the authorities of Bukovyna not to take this step, which will only lead to hostility and conflicts in the region. We also call on all those involved in organizing this lawlessness to refrain from violating the laws of Ukraine and carrying out criminal orders.
At the same time, we call on the leadership of the OCU (both in Kyiv and Chernivtsi) to do everything possible to prevent violent confrontation. You can stop this right now by addressing your supporters!"* the channel’s authors wrote, urging all UOC believers to pray.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that Dumenko’s supporters congratulated those who had "transferred" three UOC cathedrals in Chernivtsi to the OCU.
