UOC church seized in Kerstentsy village, Chernivtsi region

On September 30, in the village of Kerstentsy, Chernivtsi region, supporters of the OCU seized the Transfiguration Church, which previously belonged to the local community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). According to the source, the seizure was preceded by falsification of documents and unsuccessful raiding attempts in the past. This was reported by the Telegram channel Dozor na Pervom Kozatskomu.

According to the publication, the latest attempt to transfer the church to the control of the OCU was organized unexpectedly. A significant number of police officers were present at the scene, who, according to eyewitnesses, «actually covered up» the actions of the activists. The UOC believers managed to take some liturgical items out of the church, which caused a negative reaction from the OCU supporters.

Eyewitnesses also report that the process of re-registration of the community was initiated during the Lenten season. It is alleged that the meeting for the transition to the OCU was accompanied by violations, including financial incentives for participants. At the same time, the actual ratio of believers was different: about 12 people gathered for the services of the OCU supporters in the village council, while about 70 parishioners prayed in the UOC church.

Earlier, we reported that in the village of Nagoryany, Chernivtsi region, the deputy head of the local Territorial Manning Center (TMC) was filmed breaking into the door of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. After that, he let a group of activists inside, which is regarded as a forceful seizure of a religious building.