A man in military uniform attacks a pregnant UOC parishioner in Zakarpattia

A man who attacked a pregnant woman. Photo: screenshot from the Facebook page of Archpriest Volodymyr Lehach

On November 11, 2023, in the village of Luh in the Rahiv district of Zakarpattia, an individual in military uniform attacked a parishioner of the Holy Spirit Church of the UOC.

A live stream of the event was published on the Facebook page of the church's rector, Archpriest Volodymyr Lehach.

Towards the end of the livestream, a pregnant woman tries to stop the person in military uniform (his chevron indicates that he is a "senior sergeant" from the "128th Separate Guards Brigade"), who is pushing the priest. The person in military uniform hits her hands, attempting to take away her phone. When the woman explains that this church prays for the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, she is told to "pray for Putin."

Afterward, the "senior sergeant" pushes the pregnant woman and other people, accompanied by obscene language. The police do not react to these actions.

As reported to the UOJ journalist, the woman, who is in her seventh month of pregnancy, approached the law enforcement officers to file a complaint about the attack, but they refused.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Luh, Zakarpattia, individuals in camouflage broke into the church, seizing it.

Read also

Metr. Saba Appeals for Lebanon Relief Donations

Metr. Saba calls for urgent donations to aid displaced families in Lebanon.

New Orthodox Parish School Set to Open in Pennsylvania

"The School has been in the prayers of St. John Chrysostom Orthodox Church since the community's founding in 1992," a press release states. "Through God, all things are possible!"

Ancient Monastic Complex Found in Egypt

A newly discovered Egyptian site highlights the scale and sophistication of early monastic life.

Ukrainian Protodeacon Alleges False Prosecutions of Priests

Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky said that the vast majority of criminal cases opened against Ukrainian Orthodox Church clergy are fabricated, with the government threatening them to accept plea deals.

Abp. Mark Visits Holy Apostles Parish for Lenten Weekend

Abp. Mark’s visit blended worship, teaching, and encouragement during the Lenten journey.

Abp. Alexei Delivers Lenten Homily in Anchorage

A Lenten homily in Alaska called the faithful back to patient, step-by-step transformation in Christ.