UOC сommunity in Vendychany compelled to pray outdoors after church seizure

The UOC community in Vendychany prays outdoors. Photo: Pershyi Kozatskyi

On February 23, 2025, the UOC community of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Vendychany, Vinnytsia region, was forced to pray under the open sky in the central square of the village, according to Dozor_kozak1 Telegram channel.

On February 11, raiders from the OCU broke the locks and took over the community’s church. As a result, parishioners no longer have a place to hold services.

The community prayed for fallen Ukrainian soldiers and for peace in Ukraine.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the OCU broke police seals and seized a church while the rector was on a pilgrimage trip. The rector’s wife, after receiving threats against her family, was forced to leave the village.

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.