In Volyn village of Naviz, OCU supporters seize UOC temple

The seized Assumption Church of the UOC in the village of Naviz. Photo: rozhische.church.ua

On October 13, 2021, on the eve of the Feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, supporters of the OCU cut off the locks on the Assumption Church of the UOC in the village of Naviz, Volyn region, and entered the temple. The seizure took place at about 2 p.m., reports the rector of the community, Archpriest Anatoly Ostapchuk, who has been serving in the village for 28 years.

According to the rector, the festive Liturgy on October 14, the community expelled from the church intends to serve in the house of the parishioners' family, who left the village for the winter and gave the house for the needs of the parish. The ruling bishop of the Volyn Eparchy, Archbishop Nathanael, is going to come to support the community.

According to the UOJ, the seizure of the Assumption Church took place after the head of the Volyn Regional State Administration Yuriy Poguliaiko illegally re-registered the UOC community to the OCU on October 5, 2021.

As reported, on October 3, OCU activists cut down the locks of the Intercession Church of the UOC in the village of Novozhyvotiv, Tulchin Eparchy. 

Read also

OCU chaplain: A soldier should not feel guilty for killing enemies

According to a cleric of the OCU, the word “killing” should not even be used in this context.

AFU servicewoman punished by “being sent to the frontline” for defending UOC

An OCU representative explained how commanders punish UOC believers who defend their Church.

UOC church seized after OCU's and UGCC's provocation at soldier's funeral

Supporters of the UGCC brought the body of a soldier into the church, pressuring a UOC priest to conduct the funeral according to the Greek Catholic rite in an Orthodox church.

UOC hierarch calls on the faithful to pray for the return of seized shrine

Metropolitan Theodosiy urged the faithful to communal and personal prayer to Archangel Michael.

Russian Orthodox Church Primate: Christ did not condemn death penalty

The Patriarch added that, although the Church does not welcome the death penalty, it has never condemned it if this punishment is carried out in accordance with the law.

Metropolitan Jonathan appeals sentence to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has requested criminal case files from the Vinnytsia City Court for cassation review.