UOC priest beaten during attempted seizure of cathedral in Chernivtsi issues statement from hospital

Father Roman Forost, a cleric of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, who was injured during a violent incident on June 17 in Chernivtsi, has addressed the faithful from his hospital bed. He reported suffering multiple injuries, including a heart contusion, bruises to the chest, pelvic area, and leg, as well as a broken nose. This was reported by the Telegram channel «Pervyi Kozatskyi.»

In his message, Father Roman thanked everyone who is praying for him, supporting him, and helping with his recovery. He also mentioned that two rooms away in the same hospital lies a woman who suffered two broken ribs as a result of actions by individuals associated with the OCU. The priest’s family has decided to donate a portion of the collected funds to her as well.

“I thank God that I’m alive. That the Lord left me on this earth to thank Him, that He preserved our church, where we will, God willing, continue to pray and serve Him,” the priest said.

Father Roman also gave an update on his condition:
“My condition, thank God, is this: I’m breathing, I’m alive. Doctors say everything is progressing as it should. They also said I must remain in bed until Monday. I believe that by God’s mercy, I will still be able to serve Him, if that is His will.”

It was previously reported that international human rights lawyer and legal representative of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Robert Amsterdam, made a public statement regarding the events near the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi.