UOC Rejects OCU Claims of Parish Transfer
The OCU and UOC are disputing control of Cherkasy’s Nativity of Christ Church, with the UOC alleging preparations for a forced takeover.
CHERKASY, UKRAINE — The Cherkasy Eparchy of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) published a February 10, 2026 decree by its head, Ivan Yaremenko, announcing measures to “put in order the liturgical, administrative, and parish life” of the Nativity of Christ Church in Cherkasy, which belongs to the Cherkasy Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The decree cites the need to “restore lawful order” and “ensure the community’s access to the church,” claiming that the parish allegedly voted to transfer to the OCU.
The Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC rejected the claims, telling UOJ-Ukraine that no such parish decision or registration actions ever occurred. Representatives stated that a legal entity described as the “Parish of the Nativity of Christ of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC (OCU)” does not exist and called it fictitious. They emphasized that the church belongs to the legal entity of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC, with ownership rights established under the late Metr. Sophroniy and documented in the state real-estate register.
The UOC eparchy said it views the OCU statement as preparation for a potential takeover and alleged threats of “ensuring access” for an unspecified community. The Nativity of Christ Church, consecrated in 2021 by Metropolitan Theodosiy, holds the status of a bishop’s "metochion," or church.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Theodosiy denounced politically motivated charges against him.
