Schismatics seize UOC church in Shchaslyve village near Kiev

DECR Communication Service, 24/02/2026

According to parishioners of St. Nicholas Church in Shchaslyve village, Boryspil district, Kiev region, Ukraine, their church has been seized by activists of the schismatic OCU.

As the Union of Orthodox Journalists reports, citing the Information and Education Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, on 20^th February, the OCU activists forced and then changed locks on the church doors. The parishioners say that last August, the schismatics had held a fictitious meeting, during which they declared the community’s transfer into their jurisdiction. However, the lawful community members held their own meeting and confirmed their wish to remain under the jurisdiction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

On 21^st February, when the news of the seizure came, the rector and parishioners arrived at the church. According to them, present there were many police officers, men in uniform and young people from neighbouring villages. Several parishioners tried to capture the scene on video, but received threats from the activists.

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Schismatics seize UOC church in Shchaslyve village near Kiev

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons