Supporters of OCU seize UOC temple in Zabuyannia in Kyiv region

People in military uniform who participated in the seizure of the temple in Zabuyannia. Photo: screenshot of the video of the Telegram channel “Pershy Kozatsky”

On October 3, 2023, at about 4:00, OCU activists, with the support of people dressed in military uniforms, seized the Intercession Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Zabuyannia, Kyiv region. This was reported by the Telegram channel “Pershy Kozatsky”.

Police officers immediately arrived at the scene of the incident.

The church community learned about the siege at about six o'clock in the morning: passers-by spotted an accumulation of cars near the temple and informed the rector about it.

In the video published by the Pershy Kozatsky, a woman calling herself an authorized representative of the OCU community openly states that the re-registration of the parish has not yet been completed, and the raiders do not have documents for the temple.

According to media reports, on June 3, 2023, supporters of the OCU held their meeting in Zabuyannia, at which they “decided” to transfer the parish of the UOC to their organization.

As the UOJ wrote, on October 2, 2023, people in camouflage under the leadership of OCU clergy and with the support of the police seized the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in the city of Nosivka, Chernihiv region.

Read also

Wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon Makes Historic First Visit to Japan

The wonderworking Hawaiian Iveron Icon made its first-ever pilgrimage to Japan, drawing hundreds of faithful to Tokyo and Kyoto for prayer, veneration, and a historic celebration of Orthodox unity.

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.