A woman sustains severe head injuries by the temple seizure in Ptichya

Around the Holy Assumption church in Ptichya, the police are on duty around the clock

Doctors revealed a closed craniocerebral injury, a concussion of the brain and a bruise of the temple. It is reported by the Information and Education Department of the UOC.

A 51-year-old resident of Ptichya village on the seizure night was on duty inside the church. According to the witness of the incident, Protopriest Viktor Zemlianoy, "It was very dark. Out of the cars came people in camouflage, wearing balaclavas. We did not see any signs of difference or chevrons on them. They broke the door open, and immediately began to shout, "We will shoot, go out!" And one of our two women, who were on duty in the temple, was struck with something. Now she is hospital in the trauma unit of Dubno district hospital. After the incident, we immediately called the ambulance."

Interfaith confrontation in the village of Ptichya has continued since November 2014. The Assumption church has several times been subjected to seizure attempts by the representatives of the Kyiv Patriarchate and fighters of the Right Sector, after which the church was sealed. On April 2, 2018, the court decided to remove the arrest from the church and return it to the community of the UOC. On the same day, the church was again captured by supporters of the UOC-KP. Since April 3, the Holy Assumption temple has been sealed by the police.

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Cherny, known for his devotion and sacred singing, tragically died at age 46 during military training, leaving a legacy of faith and humility.

Court Hearing on Expulsion of Monks from Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Postponed Again

A long-delayed monastery lawsuit against a sanctuary faces yet another indefinite postponement after the presiding judge went on sick leave.

OCA Clergy Gather for Winter Synaxis Focused on Renewal and Resilience

More than 100 OCA clergy gathered online for the Winter 2025 Synaxis to pray, learn, and reflect on sustaining pastoral ministry and avoiding burnout through renewal in Christ.

Trump Administration Moves to Ban Federally Funded Transgender Procedures for Minors

The Trump administration is moving to bar federally funded hospitals from performing transgender medical procedures on minors, citing evidence of harm and a duty to protect children.

Bp. Theodosius: Ukraine's Authorities Classify Icons as Works of Art and Relics as Mummies

ROCOR hierarch links current policies toward holy sites and clergy to Soviet-era repression, calls for prayer and respect for religious freedom.

Society of St. John's Day of Action Gives Hope Persecution of UOC May Subside, Analyst Says

Political scientist says congressional outreach and high-level U.S. statements signal possible shift in response to persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.