Far Right Leader Claims to Be Involved in Seizing UOC Churches

Dmytro Korchynsky. Photo: UNIAN

CHERKASY — Dmytro Korchynsky, leader of the nationalist organization “Bratstvo” and former head of UNA-UNSO, publicly confirmed on Nov. 20, 2025, his group’s active involvement in the forcible transfer of Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) temples in Cherkasy and the village of Moshny to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, his statements, posted on Facebook, follow recent high-profile church seizures in the region and have drawn attention to the role of nationalist activists in the ongoing disputes over church property.

Korchynsky specifically criticized Metropolitan Ioan of Cherkasy and Chyhyryn, accusing him of “weakness” and opposing the transfer of parishes under Bratstvo’s influence. According to Korchynsky, the hierarch's resistance in Moshny raised suspicions of collusion with the UOC, and he condemned the removal of a cleric who had organized and inspired activists involved in the takeovers.

The Bratstvo leader also claimed that the Metropolitan “hates Bratstvo” and labels its members as “terrorists,” noting that some are allegedly affiliated with Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate. Korchynsky’s post concluded with what many observers interpret as an attempt to pressure the local hierarch, urging OCU parishioners in the Cherkasy region to “pay attention” to the Metropolitan’s actions and even suggesting they ask him to retire to a monastery.

Previously, UOJ reported that militants seized the historic Transfiguration Cathedral of the UOC in the Cherkasy region.

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