Vlg. Serednia Derazhnia: OCU backed by the volunteers raids a UOC temple
Supporters of the OCU cutting the locks on the UOC temple in the village of Serednia Derazhnia. Photo: UOJ
On February 25, 2023, OCU supporters seized St. Michael's Church (Zhytomyr and Novohrad-Volynsky Eparchy) of the UOC in the village of Serednia Derazhnia, Zviagel district, report the UOC community members.
The faithful of the canonical Church say that the seizure was led by the village authorities, represented by the chairman of the village council, Andriy Borysovych Radulevych. The OCU adherents brought in volunteers and with their assistance cut the locks off the church.
"Activists illegally registered their church, ours is also in the register. People are in despair, the soul is crying and hurting," parishioners of St. Michael's Church said.
As reported, in the village of Blystavytsia of the Bucha territorial community, OCU supporters, who had earlier tried unsuccessfully to seize a UOC temple, staged an attempt to rob the church in order to gain access to its territory and enter the church together with the police.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.