Attendance Low after UOC Cathedral Transferred to OCU
Only a handful of worshippers attend Chernihiv’s Trinity Cathedral since the OCU took control.
CHERNIHIV, UKRAINE — As reported by UOJ-Ukraine, journalists from Suspilne Chernihiv reported on the current situation at the Trinity Cathedral following its transfer to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) after the expulsion of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) community. Footage from Sunday’s “liturgy” shows roughly ten people attending in the large cathedral, highlighting the low turnout since the handover.
The OCU’s hierarch Antony Firlei stated that the church currently pays the state around 25,000 UAH (approximately $580) per month in rent. However, he expressed hope for an arrangement with the Ministry of Culture that would allow the cathedral to be used free of charge by the religious organization.
Firlei emphasized that the state recently adopted a law enabling free use of religious sites. “We are working with the Ministry of Culture and the Chernihiv State Reserve to maximize use of the cathedral so divine services can be performed fully,” he said.
Previously, the UOJ reported that an OCU hierarch stated, "Our churches stand empty."
