The first prayer service in Ukrainian caused clashes between believers of the UOC-MP and the OCU in Chernivtsi
Фото: "Укрінформ"
On Tuesday, June 17, the center of Chernivtsi was shaken by religious tension: a clash occurred near the Holy Spirit Cathedral between believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP) and the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU). According to official information, at least five people sought medical attention with injuries.
This is reported by Ukrinform .
The incident occurred on Holovna Street, where outraged supporters of the UOC-MP partially blocked the road. Police officers quickly arrived at the scene to ensure public order and conduct explanatory work, calling for resolving the conflict within the legal framework.
As a correspondent from the press service of the Chernivtsi-Bukovina Eparchy of the OCU learned, the tension arose due to the first attempt by the OCU priests to conduct divine services in the Ukrainian language in a church that was previously under the control of the UOC-MP.
“Since the meeting on the transition of the cathedral to the OCU took place, the believers of the Moscow Patriarchate have held round-the-clock prayer vigils here. Today, our priests have planned the first divine service in the Ukrainian language. Some of them are already inside the temple – the prayer is about to begin,” the OCU reported.
Two ambulances arrived on Cathedral Street, next to the church. Medics reported that the victims had sustained various injuries.
Police continue to monitor the situation and urge citizens to exercise restraint and respect the law.
Recall that on April 19 , a clash took place between law enforcement officers and protesters against the LGBTQ+ Sunny Bunny film festival near the capital’s Zhovten cinema .
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