OCU “bishop” breaks into raided church through UOC believers in Vaslovivtsi
In order to “pray” in the “transitioned” church, “Metropolitan” Danil Kovalchuk had to literally push his way through the parishioners of the UOC.
On October 19, 2023, "Metropolitan" Daniil Kovalchuk of the OCU arrived to "take over" the Assumption Church of the UOC in Vaslovivtsi, Chernivtsi Oblast. A corresponding video was published on the Telegram channel of the Chernivtsi Eparchy.
In order to "pray" in the taken-over church, Kovalchuk had to literally push his way through dozens of genuine parishioners of the UOC who were being blocked and not allowed inside by individuals wearing masks.
"In Vaslovivtsi, Daniil, the head of one of the three eparchies of the OCU in Bukovyna, came to take the stolen property. Metropolitan Daniil of the OCU is a well-known figure in Bukovina who preaches the truth that the Holy Spirit descended upon Petro Poroshenko. Now he has brought this spirit into this sacred abode," ironically commented the press service of the Chernivtsi Eparchy of the UOC.
Recall that on January 27, 2019, after an attempt by the authorities to transfer the church to the OCU, the UOC community in Vaslovovtsi began continuous prayer vigils. During this period, believers had to endure persecution from local authorities, bullying of children at school, and attempted takeovers. The faithful appealed to local authorities to stop the pressure on the UOC and recorded a video message to the President of Ukraine.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that in Vaslovivtsi, visiting thugs in balaclavas seized the UOC church.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.