UOC сommunity in Zadubrivka prays in a house church on its patronal feast

In the Bukovynian village of Zadubrivka of the Chernivtsi Eparchy, the faithful celebrated a festive All-Night Vigil on the eve of their patronal feast in honor of the Archangel Michael, the correspondent of the UOJ reports. The service was held not in their own church – seized by supporters of the OCU more than two years ago – but in a modest village home transformed into a house church.

Yet the loss of their church has not broken the spirit of the community. On the contrary, their prayer has only become more fervent and steadfast. In a small house repurposed for worship, dozens of parishioners came together, filling the space with warmth, unity, and the strength of shared faith.

The All-Night Vigil was led by the rector of the parish, Mitred Archpriest Vitalii Durov. Concelebrating and praying with him were the dean of the Zastavna district, Mitred Archpriest Mykhailo Slyvchuk, and clergy of the Chernivtsi Eparchy, who came to share the joy and warmth of this special evening with the persecuted community.

Background: one of the most painful episodes of persecution

The seizure of the church in Zadubrivka stands as one of the darkest chapters in the recent history of the Chernivtsi Eparchy. On 5 April 2023 – the 1,461st day of the community’s round-the-clock prayer vigil for their holy place – supporters of the OCU staged a provocation. Hiding behind the funeral of a Ukrainian soldier, they forcibly took over the church, driving out the lawful community.

From that day on, the faithful of the UOC prayed under the open sky, later establishing a house church where their communal life continues to this day.

At the time, Archpriest Vitalii Durov emphasized that the parish would not abandon its faith or its unity, no matter the pressure or injustice.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the persecuted UOC community in Zastavna has also been gathering for prayer in a house church.