Photo: spzh.eu
The raid on the canonical Orthodox Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernovitsi, Bukovina province of Ukraine has become known around the world, shocking even non-Orthodox U.S. politicians. But a recent report on the incident by the Union of Orthodox Journalists sheds light on the details of what they have called a “coordinated special operation” by the bishop of the non-canonical OCU, various militants, and the local police.
Their report shows how the authorities are working together with what they would like to have as a “state church”—the OCU—created in Ukraine through a tomos granted by Patriarch Bartholemew of Constantinople. The intent behind the report was to forewarn the faithful about the development of a new tactic in church raids, and how they can defend their churches against them.
The website reports concerning the events of June 17, 2025 in Chernovitsi:
Around 2:30 p.m., an “invalid” in a wheelchair was brought into the church. The man then suddenly stood up from the wheelchair, and together with his companions, began beating parishioners and priests right next to the altar.
At the same time, a bus with militants appeared near the church, and a few minutes later, another bus arrived. A crowd of young men in balaclavas stormed the church grounds, initiating what can only be described as a well-rehearsed operation of lawlessness.
The standard tactic of the OCU (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) is usually simple and cynical: militants with angle grinders and crowbars show up and seize the church. This has been repeated hundreds of times throughout Ukraine. This raid followed the same pattern but with one key difference—the raiders were clearly operating under police protection.
In the video footage, deputy police chief Sviatoslav Kyshlar is clearly visible. He knew exactly what was happening, although in a later interview he claimed he didn’t know who the masked men were. It is obvious that everything had been prearranged with the city administration and personally with OCU “bishop” Bodoryak.
As soon as the militants entered the church, Bodoryak posted on social media: “A historic event. We are in the cathedral. Come immediately.” The time of the post was 2:54 p.m.—5 to 10 minutes before the operation began. Notably, he wrote “we,” directly indicating his involvement in the incident.
Yet on June 20, Bodoryak claimed that the OCU had no connection to the militants. This was a bald-face lie, because the militants did not come alone—they were accompanied by Bodoryak’s diocesan secretary, OCU “priest” Ivan Chokalyuk, and Vasyl Kapriyan, a cleric of the OCU cathedral in Chernivtsi. It was Kapriyan who stepped off the bus, opened the back doors, and let the militants out.
The operation against the Church was coordinated by Chokalyuk himself. He stood by as Orthodox priests were brutally beaten—until they bled and lost consciousness. UOC priest Roman Forost, a father of eight children, was taken to intensive care with broken ribs, a fractured nose, and internal injuries. Another UOC priest, Vitaliy Honcharyuk, was also hospitalized.
Meanwhile, Ivan Chokalyuk entered the church, changed into a cassock, and together with Vasyl Kapriyan prepared for a “prayer in the Ukrainian language,” which had been announced by his superior, Bodoryak. Chernivtsi mayor Roman Klichuk also wrote about this “prayer,” though he later deleted his post…
The police formed a shield—not to protect the faithful, but to protect the raiders. Law enforcement officers used violence against the praying faithful, spraying tear gas in their faces. All entry points to the city were blocked; people were prevented from reaching the church. A full-scale lockdown of the city began against its own citizens.
But social media among the concerned citizens moved faster than the police. Within an hour, a thousand people had gathered at the church; within two hours, several thousand. People blocked the street, demanding justice.
Metropolitan Meletiy was struck in the face with tear gas by the police after being assaulted by an OCU militant. Disoriented, he nevertheless did not abandon his flock. He appealed to the UN, OSCE, and the United States: “The police are protecting the militants.” It was a true SOS broadcast live for the entire world to see.
The OCU leadership remained silent. They had given their approval to violence—this is their strategy. The absence of any comment speaks of complicity.
By evening, the people’s patience wore out. Thousands of faithful broke through the fence, and the police began to retreat. The security forces realized they were powerless against the people. Tear gas was sprayed inside the church; outside, the same was done by police. People were choking—but did not back down.
The police agreed to negotiate. The faithful formed a “corridor” for the militants, who exited the church to chants of “Shame!” The OCU “priests,” including Ivan Chokalyuk, left with them.
The buses took the militants away—but they were released just a kilometer away. That very evening, they were seen drinking at a restaurant owned by the city’s mayor, Roman Klichuk.
A Parliamentary question was posted June 6 on the website of the European Parliament:
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1.What is the Commission’s official stance on this incident?
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2.Can events such as this lead to Ukraine’s accession to the EU being put on hold until crimes against minorities, and in particular the Romanian minority, cease and respect for human rights in Ukraine is restored?
In the post, the shocking details of attacks on the bishops, priests, and worshippers resulting in severe physical harm and hospitalizations were reported, but no statement by EU Parliament had been issued in response.
Meanwhile, former Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko commented that preparations for the operation had not been sufficiently worked through, and volunteered his own help in the “next raid on the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Chernovtsi,” claiming that “God will help them.”
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