UGCC "chaplain" in Odesa questions the status of UOC cathedral as a city shrine

Oleksandr Smerechynskyi, a «chaplain» of the Ukrainian Navy and a representative of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), voiced a series of critical remarks about the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), particularly concerning its presence in Odesa and the significance of the Transfiguration Cathedral. He made these comments in an interview with the media outlet Intent.

In particular, he questioned the cathedral’s status as a sacred site for the city, stating: “This is not a shrine of Odesa — it is a shrine of a particular Church.” According to him, an emotionally charged narrative is being created around the missile strike on the church in 2023, which he views as manipulative. He also noted that, in his words, the cathedral is not a historical monument, since it was completed only in 2010.

Additionally, Smerechynskyi linked the development of the UOC to prior state support:
“There was significant state support. We remember how the Transfiguration Cathedral was built,” he said.

He expressed the view that instead of pressure and repressive measures against the UOC, the authorities should have ensured equal conditions for all religious organizations — without preferences or interference. In such an environment, he believes, the Church that truly enjoys public trust would naturally gain the upper hand.

Earlier, it was reported that the Commercial Court of the Cherkasy Region ruled to expropriate the St. Michael Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the town of Horodyshche in favor of the state. The claim was filed by the Smila District Prosecutor’s Office of the Cherkasy Region. The church is considered an architectural monument of local significance.