Schismatics seize a church building of the canonical Church in the village of Kerstentsy, Chernivtsi Region

On September 30, 2025, in the village of Kerstentsy in the Chernivtsi region, supporters of the “OCU” seized the Transfiguration church, which had previously belonged to the local community of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The seizure was preceded by falsification of documents and earlier unsuccessful attempts at raider takeovers.

Reports indicate that the latest attempt to transfer the church under the control of the “OCU” was organized unexpectedly. A large number of police officers were present at the site, who, according to eyewitnesses, in effect covered the actions of the activists. Believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church managed to remove some liturgical items from the church, which provoked a negative reaction from “OCU” supporters.

Eyewitnesses testify that the process of re-registering the community was initiated already during Great Lent. It is alleged that the voting for transfer to the “OCU” was marred by irregularities, including bribery. At the same time, the actual balance of the faithful was as follows: about 12 people gathered for “OCU” services in the village council building, while around 70 parishioners prayed in the church of the сanonical Church.

DECR Communication Service/Patriarchia.ru