UOC church burnt with Molotov cocktails in Ternopil region

The Church of the Holy Virgin of the UOC in the village of Kordyshiv. Photo: spzh.news

On the night of March 28, 2023, unknown offenders burnt down the church of the Holy Virgin of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Kordyshiv of the Shumsk district, Ternopil region. The rector of the church, Archpriest George Tsezaruk, told the UOJ.

According to him, the church was first pelted with Molotov cocktails and later lit with gasoline.

" the altar, the throne and the credence were completely burnt out, the fire engulfed the middle part of the temple. The chalices were all melted, but the icons survived a bit. The church had just been built, not even finished. This is my premises, my private property," said the priest.

The archpriest said that police officers and forensic specialists are already working in the church. At the same time, Father Georgy believes that the arson was planned: "Once there were threats, they even poured blood on the stairs last year. But there has been no result to date. Yes, we applied to the police, but no one has found anyone. Today, the police reacted normally and are working.

As reported, vandals set fire to St. Volodymyr's Church in Lviv.

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.