Chernivtsi authorities announce seizure of UOC cathedral for OCU

Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi. Photo: Suspilne Chernivtsi

The faithful of the UOC Chernivtsi-Bukovyna Eparchy reported on Facebook that a state enforcement officer, backed by National Police units, plans to forcibly evict the UOC community from Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi on September 10.

State enforcement officer Andriy Antoniuk issued the relevant order in enforcement proceeding No. 81531987 on the basis of a July 14, 2026 ruling by the Commercial Court of Chernivtsi Region.

According to the document, state authorities plan to hand over the church complex at 85 Holovna Street to OCU supporters. The authorities intend to take possession of the cathedral itself, the hotel building, the boiler house, and other auxiliary structures. Officers from the Main Directorate of the National Police are being brought in to provide security and physical protection for the enforcement officer.

The Holy Spirit Cathedral community called on believers not to stand aside and to peacefully defend the shrine. Parishioners noted that they have prayed in the cathedral for years, repaired it, and maintained it through their own donations.

The faithful are asking people to come to the cathedral in advance, on the evening of September 9, as the authorities may completely block access to the church grounds the following morning. Clergy will hold an all-night service in the cathedral before the planned seizure.

Believers fear a forceful operation and recalled the events of June 17, 2025. During an assault on the cathedral that day, OCU supporters severely beat believers and priests who were defending the church from a forcible takeover. Metropolitan Meletiy of Chernivtsi had tear gas sprayed into his eyes and was then unable to move without assistance. Despite the attackers’ actions, however, the faithful managed to retain control of the cathedral.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that an OCU blogger had attempted to stage a provocation at Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi.

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