The Kremenchuk Eparchy commented on the situation around the Trinity Cathedral
The UOC emphasized that any disputes regarding the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework.
The Kremenchuk Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church commented on the situation around the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Kremenchuk amid reports spreading in media and social networks about a possible seizure of the church by OCU supporters.
The diocese's official statement notes that information about the alleged mandatory eviction of UOC clergy and parishioners from the cathedral does not cancel the fact that the religious community continues to defend its rights through legal means.
«The UOC religious community continues to use all mechanisms provided by national and international legislation to protect its rights, freedoms and legitimate interests», – the statement reads.
The diocese emphasized that any issues concerning rights to church property and use of the shrine should be resolved exclusively within the legal framework, in compliance with Ukrainian legislation and with respect for the religious rights of believers.
As SPJ reported earlier, OCU representatives announced their intention to occupy the Holy Trinity Cathedral immediately after the feast day of the Holy Trinity. In a media comment, a representative of Dumenko's structure reported that OCU supporters decided to wait for the completion of the UOC community's festive service, after which they plan to begin using the church for their own services.
The Holy Trinity Cathedral has been the subject of disputes for several years now. Previously, UOC believers repeatedly gathered to defend their shrine from seizure attempts by OCU supporters, emphasizing that the church was built and maintained through the efforts of the local Orthodox community.
