Odesa Eparchy warns of preparations for forcible seizure of Trinity Cathedral of UOC by OCU representatives

A serious interfaith conflict is brewing in the center of Odesa over the threat of a forceful seizure of the Trinity Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Supporters of the OCU have registered a parallel legal entity at the address of the existing cathedral, which is seen by the clergy as a direct preparation for raider actions.

Archpriest Maximian Pogorelovsky, a cleric of the Odesa Eparchy, said that the newly created structure included outsiders who had never been parishioners of the Trinity Church. According to the clergyman, the actions of the activists are aimed at deliberately inciting interethnic and interfaith hatred in the heart of the city. Representatives of the diocese emphasize that the creation of a fake community is a legal trick for further forceful intervention.

In connection with the threat, the clergy called on the faithful to be extremely vigilant and mobilize information to protect the shrine. Archpriest Maximian noted that the situation with the Trinity Cathedral sets a dangerous precedent for all parishes of the canonical Church in Odesa, which may be under attack after the cathedral.

Earlier, we reported that in Odesa, a legal battle continues over the building, which was converted into an Orthodox church 18 years ago and transferred to the local diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Malynovskyi District Prosecutor’s Office is trying to return it to state ownership, claiming that the reconstruction and transfer of the premises took place in violation of the law.