Union of Orthodox Lawyers gives assessment of church raiding in Pryputni

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin in Pryputni village. Photo: df.news

Lawyers of the Union of Orthodox Lawyers commented on the situation in the village of Pryputni, Chernihiv region, where unknown persons seized the church of the Nativity of the Virgin.

The UOL noted that the visitors attempted to take over the church back in 2019. However, the actions of the attackers went unpunished.

“Like last time, on April 4, the police did not react to criminal offenses by the supporters of the OCU,” the lawyers noted in their Telegram channel. "Therefore, without any resistance from the law enforcement agencies, the latter seized the temple replacing the locks."

Experts believe that the actions of the "military campaign headed by the former priest of the UOC Leonty" have signs of criminal offenses under three articles of the Criminal Code: 356 (arbitrariness), 180, part 1 (obstruction of the religious rite), 161, part 3 (violation of the equality of citizens depending on their religious beliefs).

The UOL added that in this situation, the inaction of the police also creates a crime under Part 2 of Art. 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position).

Earlier, Father Sergiy said the assaulters tried to seize the temple in Pryputni before, including with the help of threats.

Read also

Orthodox Bioethics Conference Makes Key Statements on Euthanasia

The 3rd International Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate recently concluded in Crete.

ROCOR Parish in Wales Fundraising to Secure a Church

The parish is hoping to establish a permanent Orthodox church in Cardiff — a home of prayer, worship, and renewal for Wales, where the ancient faith once flourished.

UOC Priest: St. Gabriel of Georgia Healed Ukrainian Soldier

A serviceman - who had been unable to speak for nearly a year due to a concussion - began to speak again after an appearance of the Georgian saint.

2025 St. Herman Youth Conference to Be Held in NY This December

Annual gathering to bring together Orthodox youth from across North America for fellowship, worship, and spiritual growth.

HCHC Community Holds All-Night Vigil Honoring Philoptochos Society and Its Patron Saints

Special prayers offered for members of the National Board and all Philoptochos chapters in gratitude for their decades of support.

Georgian Church Resumes Construction After Miracle

The foundation of a church was blessed at Georgia's Oncology Center — construction resumes on the Church of Ss. Panteleimon the Healer and John the Baptist.