The Raider Seizure of the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Took Place in Kremenchuk

DECR Communication Service, 08.06.2026.

On June 4, 2026, in Kremenchuk (Poltava Region of Ukraine), the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was seized by supporters of the schismatic structure “OCU” with the support of law enforcement agencies.

According to information from the Union of Orthodox Journalists, as has already become established practice, the seizure was preceded by a fraudulent “meeting” regarding a transfer to the “OCU,” to which the actual church community was not even invited. The Holy Trinity Church was built by the efforts of the community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2000 and has no connection whatsoever to the schismatic structure “OCU.” Nevertheless, relying on the decision of this “meeting,” the authorities illegally re-registered the community.

As reported by the Information and Educational Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, a large number of police officers were present at the scene during the forcible seizure.

Parishioners and clergy attempted to defend their shrine, but the forces were unequal. According to the Suspilne resource, several clergymen of the canonical Church suffered from the actions of the raiders and required medical assistance. “They beat me, tore my cassock, dragged me while shouting insults and threats that they would eventually kill me, and pulled me by the hair,” shared one of the victims, Archimandrite Joseph.

Representatives of the parish community emphasized that they would continue to fight for their shrine in the courts, but place their principal hope only in God.

Print publication

The Raider Seizure of the Holy Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Took Place in Kremenchuk

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons