OCU raiders attempt to seize UOC church in Mykhalcha

On April 10, 2022, raiders from the OCU, together with armed people, undertook another seizure of the Assumption church of the UOC in the village of Mykhalcha, the press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna diocese reports.

At 7:00 a.m., believers came to the Sunday service and saw that all the gates were tied with chains and the entrance to the temple was blocked.

There were armed people in military uniform in the territory of the temple and around the church fence.

There are checkpoints at the entrance to the village of Mykhalcha, which prevent citizens of Ukraine to enter the village.

Recall that the Mykhalcha Orthodox religious community has been holding a round-the-clock prayer standing for the right to profess the Orthodox Faith for 1155 days in a row.

“Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of the National Police in the Chernivtsi region Sviatoslav Kishlar personally supervises the expulsion of the Orthodox community of the UOC from the territory of the temple, giving precedence to the people with spray cans and batons, who occupied the Orthodox church in Mykhalcha village this morning,” the diocese noted.

In the video, the rector of the parish, Priest Sergiy Tsurkan, prays to the Most Holy Theotokos to protect the faithful and the Orthodox shrine of Mykhalcha village.

As the UOJ reported earlier, Mykhalcha believers told how they had been protecting the temple from seizure for 3 years.

Read also

Four Mt. Athos Monks Injured in Greece Highway Accident

Four Athonite monks were injured in a highway accident, with one remaining in critical condition.

Pskov Caves Monastery Marks 20 Years Since Elder John’s Repose

The Pskov Caves Monastery commemorates Archimandrite John, honoring his life of labor, prayer, and spiritual guidance for generations of Russian Orthodox faithful.

Patr. Theodoros II Leads Historic Ecumenical Service in Panama

Patr. Theodoros II visits Panama, joining Orthodox in an historic prayer service promoting Christian unity.

Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges

Metr. Theodosiy calls his criminal case politically motivated, defending UOC rights and warning of potential ECHR implications.

Patr. Theophilos III Meets Diplomats to Address Holy Land Crises

Patr. Theophilos III warns of rising attacks and restricted worship, urging protection of Christian communities and humanitarian access in the Holy Land.

Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU

Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.