Pasichna. OCU raiders took the church from the faithful
Holy Trinity Church of the UOC
Address: Kyiv Oblast, Pasichna village, Heroiv Ukrayiny Street.
The Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in Pasichna village survived an attack by vandals and a hostile takeover by OCU activists.
On May 14, 2022, OCU activists gathered to hold an illegal meeting of the territorial community in order to seize the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC in Pasichna village, Kyiv Oblast.
"My six years of ministry in Pasichna village, with its incomprehensible gatherings, will be considered the activities of the Russian Church. During all these years, I never once spoke about politics or money. We did Christian work together with the people: raised children, prayed, and organized various events. I have always been and remain open to all people," said Father Ivan Omelchuk, rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Pasichna village, Kyiv Oblast.
According to him, the meeting was initiated by people who are not parishioners of the church.
"Anyone who wants to personally make claims about who is the greater patriot of Ukraine is welcome. I have something to say to the residents of our village of Pasichna over all these years. I remain faithful to the Church that gave me everything I have in life – the UOC. I have nothing in common with Moscow. If you want to find culprits during a time of war, I don't mind," the UOC priest noted.
On December 11, 2024, unknown vandals desecrated the Trinity Church of the UOC.
As the parish rector, Archpriest Ioan Omelchuk, reported on his Facebook page, vandals broke down the entrance doors to gain entry to the church.
The priest published photos showing the vandals bending the cross over the gates and scattering candles and church utensils throughout the church. They left a knife and an empty bottle of church wine at the scene.
"We hope the relevant authorities will find the perpetrators, and we will pray for these people with the words of the Savior: 'Forgive them God, for they know not what they do,'" Father Ivan wrote.
The suspect in the act of vandalism has been found and detained by the police.
On December 18, 2024, representatives of the OCU cut the locks on the Holy Trinity Church of the UOC.
As the parish rector, Archpriest Ivan Omelchuk, reported on his Facebook page, the raiders seized the church under police escort.
"This is very symbolic, because tomorrow, as we know, is a great feast day, the feast day of St. Nicholas. Tomorrow, the service will be held in the Sunday school building. Further details are still unknown. On behalf of our parishioners and myself, I ask for your holy prayers," Father Ivan wrote.
On December 22, 2024, parishioners of the Trinity Church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the village of Pasichna in the Kyiv region were forced to pray in a converted building – a Sunday school.
КУ ст. 35 (свобода вероисповедания) · ЕСПЧ ст. 9 · Нормы ООН