SBU searches Chernivtsi eparchial administation and UOC Cathedral
Law enforcers have blocked the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: BucPress Cernăuți
On the morning of 25 November 2022, the SBU started searches in the eparchial administration of the Chernivtsi and Bukovyna Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church as well as in the neighbouring St. Nicholas Cathedral.
According to UOJ sources, law enforcers blocked the buildings and did not allow worshippers to enter the cathedral for a service. The parishioners are outraged because, according to them, this temple has never been closed even during the Soviet times. This is the first time since the independence of Ukraine that people have been barred from entering the church. At the moment the administration building and the cathedral are blocked by law enforcers. The reason for the searches is not yet known.
The searches were also reported by the Romanian-language resourse BucPress Cernăuți. The UOJ is following the events.
On 22 November, the SBU searched 350 church buildings of the UOC in Kyiv and the Sarnyn-Polissia Eparchy.
Read also
In Ukraine, Trump’s 'spiritual advisor' reassured of religious freedom
Pastor Mark Burns stated that Ukraine, despite the war, is a "beacon of religious freedom."
Lavra brethren congratulate Metropolitan Pavel on 31 years as abbot
The monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra have expressed hope that they will soon be able to pray again with their abbot.
Amsterdam: Intrusion into Lavra Caves – a return to Soviet-era persecution
International lawyer Robert Amsterdam has condemned the actions of Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture regarding the inspection of holy relics in the Caves of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, calling it a violation of religious freedom.
Over 20 EU states condemn Hungary for ban on LGBT propaganda among children
“This restricts the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression,” diplomats state in a joint declaration.
His Beatitude officiates consecration of Bishop of Rakhiv
At the Church of St. Agapitus in the Lavra, the Primate of the UOC ordained a vicar for the Khust Eparchy.
Met Victor: It is painful to see Lavra's relics turned into test subjects
According to the bishop, there is particular concern over how members of the scientific commission will handle the holy relics.