UOC parish prays in AFU soldier’s private home after church raid in Lesnyky

The UOC congregation in Lesnyky prays in a private house. Photo: tg-channel "Dozor na 'Pershomu Kozatskomu'"

In Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, on January 14, 2024, the first liturgy took place after the forceful seizure of the Transfiguration Church of the UOC, as reported by the Telegram channel "Dozor na 'Pershomu Kozatskomu'" ("Patrol on the First Cossack"). Parishioners prayed in a private home provided by a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who is also a member of the UOC. Two months ago, his brother, who lived in this house and was also a member of the religious community of the Transfiguration Church of the UOC, died on the front lines.

"Now their home has become a haven for Orthodox Christians whose shrine was seized by raiders from the OCU," journalists from the channel wrote.

As reported by the UOJ, on January 10, raiders from the OCU cut locks and seized the Transfiguration Church in Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, at night. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the actions of the supporters of the OCU.

Read also

Met. Gerasimos Calls Faithful to Prayer, Unity During Dormition Fast

Reflection urges devotion to the Theotokos amid world’s trials.

Canonization of Two Bessarabian Saints Proclaimed in Moldova

Patriarch Daniel calls them "beacons of faith in times of communist persecution.”

Antiochian Christian Education Ministry Releases 'Lesson Launch' Resources for New Exodus Curriculum

Workshops, videos, and printables aim to equip Sunday school directors and teachers for 2025–26 program year.

Relics of St. Tikhon Visit Belgorod, Will Continue Nationwide Procession in Russia

Faithful gather at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral to venerate relics of Patriarch-Confessor.

New Hampshire Becomes 20th State to Ban All Gender Transition Procedures for Minors

Governor Ayotte signs laws prohibiting surgeries, hormones, and puberty blockers for youth.

Media: Abp. of Cyprus blackmails Pat. Bartholomew with Onuphry mention

Fr. Evangelos Papanikolaou claims that Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus will commemorate Met. Onuphry of Kyiv (UOC) if Constantinople overturns controversial ruling on Met. Tychikos of Paphos.