Masked Attackers Seize UOC Cathedral, Assault Clergy in Chernivtsi
Around 50 men identified as hired militants storm Holy Spirit Cathedral, injure priests, and block access.
CHERNIVTSI — A violent raid took place on the grounds of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi, where approximately 50 masked men in balaclavas – believed to be hired militants linked to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) – forcefully seized the property. Dressed in athletic wear and resembling so-called “titushky” (hired provocateurs), the attackers reportedly assaulted clergy members and parishioners, leaving some seriously injured.
Archpriest Vitaliy Honcharuk was brutally beaten while defending the church during the assault, according to eyewitness reports. Preliminary medical assessments indicate Fr. Vitaliy suffered broken ribs and possible internal injuries, and as seen in the video shared in this article, he also suffered a deep cut due to being stabbed in the face. Along with Fr. Vitaliy, eyewitnesses report that a deacon was also beaten for standing up with the priest.
The incident marks a serious escalation in the ongoing religious conflict in the region, as the Holy Spirit Cathedral is where Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine served prior to being elevated to the head of the UOC, making the attack a symbolic assault on the widely-revered bishop and his flock.
Despite the severity of the assault, local law enforcement allegedly failed to intervene, even after multiple emergency calls. A video from the scene shows a woman recounting that two attackers were detained after beating a priest, but overall police response was minimal. The attackers blocked all entrances to the cathedral and continued to assault anyone attempting to approach, prompting concerns from local faithful about the apparent inaction of authorities and the premeditated nature of the raid.
The entrances remain blocked by the attackers, and the situation remains tense and ongoing.
A YouTube video posted by ВІРНИЙ also gives a look at the aftermath of the seizure.
Previously, UOJ reported on the government of Ukraine's intent to prosecute Robert Amsterdam, who has been representing the UOC in raising awareness of the ongoing persecution.
