Raiders from OCU seize the church in Lesnyky by cutting locks at night

A church in the village of Lesnyky. Photo: Wikipedia

On January 10, 2024, raiders from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) cut locks and seized the Transfiguration Church in the village of Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, as reported by "Dozor na 'Pershomu Kozatskomu'" ("Patrol on the First Cossack").

Details of the seizure are still being clarified.

As previously reported by the UOJ, in April 2022, during the liturgy on Palm Sunday, activists-raiders, under the guise of a religious community, transferred the church to the OCU. The UOC faithful stated that behind the illegal collection of signatures was "Metropolitan" of the OCU, Alexander (Drabinko).

Members of the legitimate religious community reiterated their loyalty to the UOC, stating that they do not wish to switch allegiances.

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.