Metropolitan Meletiy comments on attack by OCU representatives on UOC cathedral in Chernivtsi

On June 22, Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi and Bukovyna delivered a sermon to the faithful at the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Chernivtsi. In his address, the hierarch commented on the events of June 17, when representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) attempted to seize the church. The video of the sermon was published by Pershyi Kozatskyi.

According to the metropolitan, a group of individuals he described as “militants” acted in violation of both ecclesiastical and state laws.

«They tried to commit lawlessness and disorder. They attempted, disregarding the laws of Ukraine, the laws of God, the laws of decency and humanity, to stop Orthodox prayer here,» said the archbishop.

The metropolitan emphasized that the faithful defended the shrine, demonstrating loyalty to the Church.

«We showed that Bukovyna is Orthodox land. We showed that our people love the temple of God. They love the Church.»

He reported that during the attempted seizure, there were cases of gross desecration of the holy place, including relieving oneself behind the altar and the theft of money and some church items. According to him, some incidents were so outrageous that he asked not to mention them publicly.

The metropolitan also rejected OCU’s claims of non-involvement in the incident, noting that OCU clergy were present among the attackers, as recorded on video.

«OCU priests were here together with the invaders, raiders, and criminals. They were here. And we see it on the cameras. So it will be hard for the OCU to deny it.»

The archbishop noted that the events became a test not only for the UOC but also for OCU representatives and the police. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement officers who later approached him to apologize.

Separately, Metropolitan Meletiy denied reports that he had been beaten by police officers. According to him, the attack was carried out by one of the OCU militants, while a police officer actually tried to help him get up.

It should also be noted that Ludmila Filipovych, an expert from the State Service for Ethnic and Religious Affairs, called the recent clashes near the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi «a disgrace for the country» and «the result of the failed performance of both the state and the two Orthodox jurisdictions.» In an interview with journalists, she harshly criticized the incident and called for a comprehensive assessment of the situation — both from legal and ecclesiastical perspectives.