“This is all slander!”: OCU defends cleric involved in the seizure of a UOC church in Chernivtsi

The Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has publicly defended its representative, «chaplain» Ioan Chokalyuk, who, according to eyewitnesses, took part in the attempted violent seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Chernivtsi. Parishioners of the OCU church in the village of Mamaivtsi, where Chokalyuk «serves», published a statement on Facebook calling the accusations against him “slander” and expressing “deep concern.”

It is known that Ioan Chokalyuk is a close relative — the uncle — of OCU head Epiphaniy Dumenko. During the incident, Chokalyuk was one of the first to enter the service premises of the cathedral while clashes with UOC clergy were ongoing.

Despite available video evidence and eyewitness accounts, OCU activists from Mamaivtsi deny any wrongdoing by their cleric:

“We regret to state that certain individuals, linked to forces hostile to Ukraine, are spreading false testimonies and public slander in an attempt to discredit Father Ioan. We are convinced that these accusations are groundless and politically motivated, aimed at undermining the authority of Ukrainian clergy. Our community affirms its trust and support for Father Ioan,” the statement reads.

It should also be recalled that the failed attempt to seize the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church reportedly involved nationalists from the far-right group “Tryzub” as well as cadets from the Ivano-Frankivsk Police College. Members of these groups were seen attacking the church, beating believers and clergy in Chernivtsi. Moreover, the incident is said to have occurred under the full patronage of local police and city authorities.