UOC establishes a commission to assist the communities of seized temples

The session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

The bishops express deep concern over church raiding, which is a gross violation of the legislation of Ukraine. The corresponding statement was made by the hierarchs of the UOC on April 3, 2019, at the first session of the Holy Synod this year, reports the UOC Information and Education Department.

“Expressing deep concern over the seizure of the temples of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which is a gross violation of the legislation of Ukraine, the Holy Synod noted the need to support and assist the communities of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church whose temples were seized,” the UOC hierarchy said in a statement.

A temporary commission formed to assist the communities of the grabbed temples is headed by Bishop Nikolai of Vasilkov, a vicar of the Kiev Metropolis.

As the UOJ reported, on April 3, 2019, a session of the Holy Synod of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church chaired by the His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufry of Kiev and All Ukraine was held on the territory of the Holy Dormition Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. It was devoted to current issues in different fields of church life.

Read also

Abducted Ukrainian Deacon Dies During Military Training

Abducted and conscripted Ukrainian deacon Orest Black, 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.