In Myronivka, Kyiv region, supporters of OCU seize a UOC church at night

Fighters of the Myronivka territorial community unit "protect" the St. Michael's Church of the UOC from its parishioners. Photo: Telegram channel of the Bila Tserkva Eparchy of the UOC

On September 6, 2023, during the curfew, , the St. Michael's Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was seized in the city of Myronivka, Kyiv region. This was reported by the press service of the Bila Tserkva Eparchy of the UOC.

Around 4:00 AM, men with athletic builds led by "priest" Volodymyr Petryk of the OCU cut through the gates of the church with an angle grinder and then used the same tool along with a hammer to break into the church, the refectory, and utility rooms.

Believers of the UOC who had gathered at the church were not allowed onto the premises by the police and members of a voluntary territorial community.

As reported by the UOJ, on June 11, 2023, at a meeting of Myronivka residents organized by supporters of the OCU to "transfer" St. Michael's parish to their organization, the majority of those present opposed the plan. However, the initiators of the meeting, including "priest" Volodymyr Petryk, ignored the majority's opinion and presented the vote of their like-minded individuals as the "decision of the religious community." Based on this "decision," the authorities re-registered St. Michael's parish in favor of the OCU.

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