Violent Church Takeover Reported in Western Ukraine Cathedral

Chernivtsi, Ukraine - A violent incident unfolded at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernivtsi, Western Ukraine, on Tuesday, June 17, as approximately 50 individuals reportedly attempted a forceful takeover of the religious site. Surveillance footage released by Parapolitika.gr shows a chaotic scene inside the cathedral, with groups of people engaging in physical altercations near the altar. According to eyewitness accounts and the video's description, the individuals involved are linked to radical elements of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which is recognized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They allegedly stormed the cathedral, which belongs to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) under the Moscow Patriarchate, and assaulted both clergy and worshippers. The attackers reportedly accused those affiliated with the UOC of maintaining ties with Russia. The incident highlights the ongoing religious and political tensions within Ukraine, particularly concerning the affiliations of its Orthodox churches amidst the broader conflict with Russia. The footage captures the intensity of the confrontation, showing individuals pushing and shoving, with some attempting to flee the scene.