In Vaslovivtsi, visiting titushki in balaclavas seize UOC church
Church raiders in Vaslovivtsi. Photo: Telegram channel of the Chernivtsi Eparchy
On 19 October 2023, two dozen unknown people in camouflage and balaclavas with the support of the police seized the Dormition Church of the UOC in the village of Vaslovivtsi, Chernivtsi region, reports the Telegram channel of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy.
"Titushki" (men of strong build) cut the locks off the doors of the temple, formed a chain and took control of the building, not allowing the faithful to the shrine.
The eparchy published a photo of the bus that brought the bandits, with the number CE 8842 VK, and indicated that the same bus brought the militants to seize the temple in the village of Staray Zhadova. It is not yet known whether the same persons took over the temples in both villages.
The eparchy reported that the authorities brought TCC to the village to hand out summonses to the temple defenders. In particular, they tried to hand a summons to the rector.
Parishioners in Vaslavivtsi defended their temple from bandits for 1,725 days and say they do not intend to retreat. "This is our faith – we have nowhere to retreat to. Those 20 bandits will work off their money and leave, while we have to live in the village, baptise and wed our children. How can we live without a temple?" say members of the community.
Read also
Catholic Sources Believe Israeli Attack on Church May Have Been Retaliation
Christian leaders, including Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, recently condemned a wave of attacks by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian Christian village of Taybeh.
Dumenko on the Macedonian Church: 'We Oppose Them'
The head of the schismatic OCU has accused the Macedonian Church of forming an "alliance" with the Moscow Patriarchate while implying that the tomos of autocephaly granted by Serbia to Macedonia was invalid.
Veiled in Grace: A Pilgrim’s Transformation at St. Olga’s Glorification
At the glorification of Saint Olga in Kwethluk, a 72-year-old Matushka from Pennsylvania, who once resisted head coverings, felt a gentle prompting to wear a lace scarf, experiencing profound grace and peace. This transformative moment led her to adopt the practice permanently, feeling a deep connection to Saint Olga’s modesty and love.
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Abp. Elpidophoros, Catholic Leaders at Meeting in Italy
Archbishop Elpidophoros and Cardinal Tobin are currently leading a pilgrimage emphasizing Christian unity during the Jubilee Year.
Tsunami Warning Lifted After 7.3 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Alaska Coast
Federal officials had urged evacuations as the Gulf of Alaska area braced for potential tsunami impact.
UPDATE: Casualties of Israeli Strike on Catholic Church Were Orthodox
A funeral has been held at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Porphyrios for the victims of the shelling of the Holy Family Catholic Church.