During church raid in Chernivtsi, police threw ruling bishop to the ground
Metropolitan Meletiy on the ground during the seizure of the cathedral. Photo: UOJ
On June 17, 2025, during the seizure of the Holy Spirit Cathedral of the UOC in Chernivtsi, police used force against Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi. This is confirmed by video footage obtained by the Union of Orthodox Journalists.
In the video, the hierarch is seen lying on the ground surrounded by police officers, while parishioners rush to assist him.
“They threw the Vladyka down, they beat him,” one of the faithful says, pointing to an officer in a balaclava who is trying to retreat.
Several people struggle to lift the Metropolitan from the ground and give him water. The balaclava is torn off the officer’s head.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that during the assault, police sprayed Metropolitan Meletiy with tear gas. The faithful who were nearby laid him on a bench and rendered first aid.
Read also
Orthodox and Catholic bishops make joint visit to Mount Athos
The head of the Phanar blessed a joint pilgrimage to Mount Athos by Roman Catholic and Orthodox bishops.
UOC Kryvyi Rih Eparchy marks 30th anniversary
Metropolitan Yefrem led the anniversary Divine Liturgy in Kryvyi Rih.
Ostapenko: Everyone in UCCRO feels fine except the “FSB UOC”
The director of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra National Reserve called the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches “a wonderful organization.”
Khmelnytskyi Eparchy donates funds for treatment of 12-year-old girl
UOC believers raised UAH 20,000 for Anastasiia Mamchur as part of an eparchial charity campaign.
Shevchuk: We had to convince world UOC ban does not violate religious freedom
The UGCC head claims that by banning the UOC, the state is not violating religious freedom but merely protecting the Church’s faithful from Moscow propaganda.
Lavra reserve head estimates damage to Dormition Cathedral at €15 million
Maksym Ostapenko said restoring the Dormition Cathedral would take at least a couple of years and require major funding.