In Odessa, supporters of the OCU seized the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral of the UOC

On June 23, 2026, in Odesa, representatives of the OCU, with the support of private security forces, seized the church dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky. The seizure of the church was led by the so-called OCU chaplain, Theodore Orobets. Information about the incident was published by the press service of the Odessa Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

It is reported that the perpetrators, taking advantage of the support of paramilitary security forces, surrounded the church grounds, blocking access to the building for clergy and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. As a result of an attempt by the secretary of the Odessa Diocese of the UOC to resolve the situation peacefully, the priest was attacked and beaten.

Later, the intruders forced their way into the church, which belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, claiming that the decision to “transfer to the OCU” had been adopted at a “parish meeting” that no one knew about. However, as a result of yet another raider scheme, representatives of the Ukrainian schism took control of the church, completely restricting access to the premises.

In light of the escalating situation, the diocesan leadership appealed to parishioners and believers, calling for intensified prayer for the protection of the church and the community.

As a reminder, on June 4, 2026, in Kremenchuk, representatives of the OCU seized the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC,which led to physical confrontations and injuries among the clergy. The incident was accompanied by a massive police presence and protests by believers who opposed the forced re-registration of the community.