UOC-USA Bishops Ridiculed Over Demolition of Cultural Center

Abp. Daniel. Source: UOJ Ukraine

SOMERSET, NJ — The Ukrainian Cultural Center in Somerset, New Jersey, a key symbol of Ukrainian heritage in the U.S., faces potential sale and demolition. Built with diaspora community funds, the center sits on land valued at $20–$70 million and is owned by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, a jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. (The UOC-USA is not in any way related to the UOC in Ukraine.)

On September 18, 2025, a Franklin Township zoning hearing drew hundreds of Ukrainians whose questions stalled proceedings, postponing the session to November 6 at 7:00 PM in a larger venue. UOC-USA leaders, including Met. Antony (Scherba) and Abp. Daniel (Zelinsky), left abruptly, avoiding community dialogue and prompting chants of "Shame!"

According to the Franklin Reporter & Advocate, a local newspaper, the meeting "ended in chaos".

The church cites insufficient resources and low engagement to justify a potential sale, but activists counter that the center thrives, hosting a Ukrainian school, community organizations, and dedicated volunteers ready to provide support. A petition to save the center has over 2,600 signatures, with video campaigns reaching 300,000 views. In 2019, then-Bishop Zelinsky predicted swift recognition of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, a claim that fell short, reflecting ongoing tensions within the community.

In August, the UOJ reported that Met. Anthony and Abp. Daniel published an open letter condemning Abp. Alexei of Alaska for his meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin.

Met. Daniel is a longtime supporter of the schismatic Orthodox Church in Ukraine. In January 2019, he predicted that most (if not all) local Orthodox churches would recognize the OCU "in a matter of months."

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