OCU supporters have construction of UOC church halted in Volyn

Construction of a UOC church in the village of Nichohivka, Volyn region, which was halted after complaints from OCU supporters. Photo: Suspilne Lutsk

On July 8, construction of a Ukrainian Orthodox Church temple was halted in the village of Nichohivka, Lutsk district, Volyn region, following complaints from OCU supporters, Suspilne Lutsk reports.

According to the outlet, UOC faithful in Nichohivka began building a new place of prayer after the private house where they had previously gathered burned down. However, OCU representatives opposed the construction and appealed to local authorities.

The rector of the local OCU community, Petro Lushchynskyi, said most villagers had joined the OCU several years ago, while UOC faithful remained a minority. According to him, UOC parishioners from neighboring villages were also coming to Nichohivka.

After the appeal from OCU supporters, the temporary oversight commission of the Volyn Regional Council decided to contact the settlement council. The Kolky Settlement Council said the community allegedly lacked the necessary land documents and construction permit.

At the same time, Volyn regional police said no signs of wrongdoing had been found at the construction site, and no complaints had been received from Nichohivka residents. As of now, work on the UOC church has been halted.

As the UOJ previously reported, the vicar of the Khust Eparchy consecrated a new chapel in the village of Yasinia.

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