UOC parish prays in AFU soldier’s private home after church raid in Lesnyky
More than 30 people came to the first liturgy after the seizure of the temple.
In Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, on January 14, 2024, the first liturgy took place after the forceful seizure of the Transfiguration Church of the UOC, as reported by the Telegram channel "Dozor na 'Pershomu Kozatskomu'" ("Patrol on the First Cossack"). Parishioners prayed in a private home provided by a soldier of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, who is also a member of the UOC. Two months ago, his brother, who lived in this house and was also a member of the religious community of the Transfiguration Church of the UOC, died on the front lines.
"Now their home has become a haven for Orthodox Christians whose shrine was seized by raiders from the OCU," journalists from the channel wrote.
As reported by the UOJ, on January 10, raiders from the OCU cut locks and seized the Transfiguration Church in Lesnyky, Kyiv Oblast, at night. Criminal proceedings were initiated against the actions of the supporters of the OCU.