In Kolonshchyna village, Kyiv region, OCU supporters initiate "transfer of church" to UOC contrary to decision of religious community

on May 30, 2026, a meeting of local residents was held in the village of Kolonshchyna, Makariv district, Kyiv region, organized by supporters of the OCU to transfer the local parish of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in honor of John the Theologian to another jurisdiction. Despite the officially documented decision of the real religious community to remain in the bosom of the UOC, the initiators of the meeting declared mass support for the transfer, which caused serious concerns of believers about a possible seizure of the shrine by force.

According to the UOJ, the event was held in the village house of culture, although the local administration had previously issued an order on the inadmissibility of holding such meetings. The rector of the church had previously appealed to the authorities and law enforcement agencies with statements about the preparation of illegal actions, but, according to the parishioners, the police did not respond to these appeals. During the meeting, the organizers called on those present to get rid of the “remnants of the Russian world,” using traditional accusations against the UOC as arguments.

Representatives of the religious community emphasize that their position was clearly defined earlier: on May 17, a legal meeting of parishioners was held, at which all 56 registered members of the community unanimously reaffirmed their loyalty to the UOC and its Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onufriy. In contrast, at the meeting in the house of culture, about 270 people voted for the transition, who, according to the believers, have no relation to the parish life of the church.

The fact that the church of St. John the Theologian is located on a private plot of land adds to the legal complexity of the situation. Believers note that any attempts to take over the building by force will be qualified not only as a violation of the rights of a religious organization, but also as a direct encroachment on private property. Currently, the situation around the church remains calm, but the parishioners continue to keep prayer vigil, fearing further provocations from the raiders.