Unknown vandals deface Uniate churches in Ternopil
Vandals have painted satanic symbols on the walls of two churches belonging to the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) in Ternopil.
On the morning of October 27, around 7 AM, the priests of several UGCC churches reported incidents of vandalism to the police, according to the Ternopil region police.
At the entrance gates of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the number "666" was found painted, as reported by local media. Similar markings were also made on the facade of the Church of St. John the Theologian on Vossyiedinennya Street. Ternopil's mayor stated that these actions appear to be a coordinated attack.
"Subhumans have desecrated the shrines of Ternopil. Satanic signs have appeared on the Sts. Peter and Paul Church and other temples. This is a planned act of vandalism. We will provide all necessary assistance to law enforcement in the investigation," emphasized Mayor Serhiy Nadal, adding that Ternopil is a place of Christian traditions.
A criminal case has been initiated under Article 296 (hooliganism) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. The police are reviewing surveillance footage and conducting operational search activities to identify the culprits.
As previously reported, the Council of Churches in Ternopil has called for the exclusion of the UOC from the organization.
