UOC denies fake affiliation of priest who hit man

OCU cleric Chychak and his Lexus on which he hit a woman to death. Photo: Antikor

On June 20, 2023, the press service of the UOC commented on a fake publication of "Antikor", which stated that Yuriy Chychak, who on December 19, 2022, hit a woman to death on a crossing, is a priest of the UOC.

"This priest has officially joined the OCU and by the time of the accident he had already considered himself a believer of this structure," the press service wrote and added that "information about his affiliation with the UOC is another provocation against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church".

According to media reports, experts are dragging out the investigation, due to which Chychak has not yet been handed a suspicion note of hitting a pedestrian with a fatal outcome. He is avoiding criminal punishment for what he did and is walking free. Since the fatal accident, Chychak has repeatedly posted on his blogs, YouTube channel and social media pages. And in none of his posts and messages has there been any remorse or words of apology regarding the December 19 incident.

Earlier the UOJ wrote that details of the fatal accident involving the Phanar cleric emerged on the web.

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.