Raiders from OCU seize the church in Lesnyky by cutting locks at night
A church in the village of Lesnyky. Photo: Wikipedia
On January 10, 2024, raiders from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) cut locks and seized the Transfiguration Church in the village of Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, as reported by "Dozor na 'Pershomu Kozatskomu'" ("Patrol on the First Cossack").
Details of the seizure are still being clarified.
As previously reported by the UOJ, in April 2022, during the liturgy on Palm Sunday, activists-raiders, under the guise of a religious community, transferred the church to the OCU. The UOC faithful stated that behind the illegal collection of signatures was "Metropolitan" of the OCU, Alexander (Drabinko).
Members of the legitimate religious community reiterated their loyalty to the UOC, stating that they do not wish to switch allegiances.
Read also
Pro-Constantinople Outlet Reports on Violent Cathedral Seizure in Chernivtsi
An article from the Orthodox Times highlights rising attacks against UOC faithful and clergy amid escalating church property disputes.
Metropolitan Longin Alleges Assassination Plot Against Him
Bancheny hierarch claims a group from Ivano-Frankivsk was sent to kill him.
Archbishop of Cyprus: Decision on Metropolitan Tychikos’ Appeal Expected in August
Hierarch retains presumption of innocence amid ongoing review by Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Holy Cross Seminarians Conclude Pilgrimage with Spiritual Encounters in Thessaloniki and Mount Athos
Students reflect on ministry and heritage during the final days of the transformative journey.
Estonian Government Passes New Law Against Orthodox Church
New legislation would force the Estonian Orthodox Church to cut its ties with the Moscow Patriarchate. This is depsite the fact that the Estonian Church has been autonomous since 1993.
Over 100 Souls Received Into the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
The Russian Orthodox Church's missionary efforts bear fruit in Zambia and Cameroon.