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.
Zelensky awarded a clergyman of the OCU who participated in the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Chernivtsi
Volodymyr Zelenskyy awarded the Order of Merit to Ivan Chokalyuk, a “chaplain” and relative of the head of the OCU, who took an active part in the attempted seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi. The award was timed to coincide with the Constitution Day of Ukraine. This was reported on the official Facebook page of the Chernivtsi Regional State Administration.
It is reported that the Order of Merit III degree was awarded to Ivan Chokalyuk, rector of the Holy Protection parish in the village of Mamayevtsy, administrator of the Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Diocese of the OCU. Chokalyuk, who seized the UOC Cathedral in Chernivtsi, was awarded “for significant services in strengthening Ukrainian statehood, courage and dedication shown in the defense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, significant personal contribution to the development of various spheres of public life, defending the national interests of our state, and conscientious performance of professional duty.”
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