OCU raiders begin to seize the Holy Trinity Church in vlg. Ivanichi

The seizure of a UOC church in the village of Ivanichi, Rovno region, by activists of a new religious organization. Photo: UOJ

On the afternoon of May 30, 2019, OCU activists brought people from the surrounding villages, about two dozen priests of the OCU and strong men of athletic build to the territory of the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in the village of Ivanichi of the Kostopol district, Rovno region.

A UOJ correspondent visited the scene and reported that the religious community of the canonical Church gathered to protect their temple and blocked the main church doors.

“A meeting of the territorial community was held by the OCU activists two months ago. Why they became active right now is a mystery to us. We have also held a meeting of the parish council. At it, we unanimously supported the canonical Church. If you do not take into account the illegality of the territorial gatherings, the votes in the village are divided in half,” said Ksenia Irshak, the spouse of the rector of the Holy Trinity Church.

According to eyewitnesses, athletic men have already attempted to use force against members of this religious community.

The conflict on religious grounds in the village of Ivanichi has been ongoing for six hours in a row. During this time, UOC believers have been standing in prayer on the threshold of the church, while the OCU supporters have been provoking people with name-calling and trying to drag them away from the entrance to the temple.

The UOJ editorial board reminds that in case of violation of the rights of the episcopate, clergy, laity, and institutions of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (obstruction of worship, seizure of churches, provocations, pressure, threats, etc.), you should immediately contact the Legal Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by phone: 097-537-55-96.

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