Ukrainian Parish Seeks American Support Amid Church Seizure Attempts
UOC parishioners in Pryiutivka seek U.S. help claiming repeated attacks and pressure from OCU activists.
PRYIUTIVKA, UKRAINE — Parishioners of the St. Great Martyr George the Victorious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Pryiutivka have appealed to international and U.S. officials for protection amid repeated threats and attacks attributed to activists from the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). The appeal to authorities including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance highlights what the community calls ongoing persecution and efforts to seize their church property.
On January 24, 2026, residents reported another attempt by a group led by a cleric associated with the OCU to take over the parish’s Sunday School building, where services have been held since raiders seized the main church. Police intervened and prevented the takeover, but parishioners say such incidents have been recurring since May 2023, when the property was transferred to OCU control without their consent.
In their appeal, believers stated, “We as believing Orthodox Christians are forced to constantly defend ourselves from attacks on our temple. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church today is subjected to persecution, mockery, barbarism and oppression.”
Previously, the UOJ reported that Ukraine ordered the UOC to transfer Epiphany Monastery to the state.
