Pressure on the UOC continues: in Chernivtsi, the cathedral was violently seized, with priests and worshippers injured

In Chernivtsi, another troubling episode of pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has been reported: in the evening, a group of several dozen aggressively-minded young men stormed the grounds of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC.

The attackers brutally beat clergy and parishioners, including priests who sustained serious injuries.

According to official information published on the UOC’s Telegram channel, around 50 individuals participated in the attack. Church sources allege they were affiliated with supporters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). Video footage shows the attackers using force while police officers nearby did not intervene.

At least two priests were injured, according to the UOC. Archpriest Roman reportedly suffered broken ribs and possible internal injuries. Priest Vitaliy Honcharuk sustained a concussion, a head laceration, and a broken nose. In the video from the scene, one of the injured priests is seen bleeding heavily.

Worshippers called emergency medical services, and the injured were taken to trauma units. Despite the severity of the assault, there have been no reports of arrests among the attackers.

In response to the violence, UOC parishioners blocked a nearby road in protest against the authorities’ inaction and the ongoing pressure on the Church.

This incident is part of a growing trend of forceful seizures of UOC churches and highlights the increasing religious and political persecution faced by the canonical Church in Ukraine.