In Berezhany, an attempt to "officially transition" the UOC church to the OCU is being prepared

In the city of Berezhany, Ternopil region, an attempt to illegally transfer the local religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine is being prepared. The initiators of this process are certain local activists, who are spreading calls for participation in so-called «public meetings,» planned for May 15 in the city council building. This is reported on the website of the city of Ternopil.

The basis for interference in the religious community’s activities is that it «has not joined the OCU» despite the war and political accusations against the UOC. The statements also mention «security threats,» «pro-Russian sentiments,» and «espionage activities.»

The UOC religious community in Berezhany operates on legal grounds, holds services according to the canons and current Ukrainian legislation, and has a valid charter registered by the state. Despite this, the meeting on May 15, initiated not by the community itself, raises questions about changes to the charter and transition to the jurisdiction of the OCU — which contradicts the will of the believers.

Earlier, we also reported that in less than two weeks, the nine-month period stipulated by law No. 3894 will expire. However, according to official data from the Ternopil Regional Military Administration, since the adoption of this law, no religious community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has transitioned to the OCU.