Police in Chernivtsi block UOC faithful from accessing cathedral grounds
Instead of stopping the violence, police formed a human shield and prevented UOC believers from approaching the church.
On June 17, 2025, police in Chernivtsi barred faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church from entering the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, which had been seized by representatives of the OCU.
Eyewitnesses and video footage from the scene show that police are supporting the raiders.
The cathedral is completely blocked off. Armed militants in balaclavas are stationed on the grounds, assaulting anyone who attempts to stop the takeover of the sacred site.
Rather than intervening to stop the violence, police formed a human barrier to prevent UOC believers from reaching the cathedral.
Eyewitnesses report that several clergy who were attacked by radicals sustained serious injuries and were hospitalized by emergency medical teams.
The UOJ previously reported that OCU raiders broke the ribs of a UOC priest during the assault.
We also reported that the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit in Chernivtsi is currently undergoing a forceful takeover.
