OCU clergy sing national hymn on the solea of seized UOC church in Ladyzhyn

Clerics of the OCU sing the Ukrainian national anthem on the solea of the seized church in Ladyzhyn. Photo: screenshot of the YouTube channel "Na Paryzhi" video

On December 13, 2024, clergy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) conducted a "service" in the seized Kazan Church in Ladyzhyn, Vinnytsia Oblast, during which they sang the Ukrainian national anthem. The corresponding video was published by the "Na Paryzhi" outlet on their YouTube channel.

In the video, the "priests" sing the anthem with their hands over their hearts. Afterward, one of the clergy members shouts, "Glory to Ukraine – Glory to the Heroes, Glory to Jesus Christ – Forever Glory, I wish you health."

During the "service", no one from the public attended the church, except for the clergy and unidentified men in balaclavas present in the altar.

Journalists explained that supporters of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) "bricked up" the church, turning it into a fortress. As a result, OCU believers had to pray outside.

On the street, one of the clergy members addressed the waiting believers, saying, "Glory to Ukraine, glory to the nation, death to enemies, Ukraine – above all."

Recall that in Ladyzhyn, the rector was brutally beaten, and the Kazan Church was seized.

As reported by the UOJ, clergy members of the OCU, who don't know how to make the sign of the cross, embarrassed themselves at a UOC church in Ladyzhyn.

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.