According to the story of the senior priest, Father Andrei Decker:
«On 31.08.2014, the Kyiv Patriarchate, with the support of the head of Rachyn village council held a “referendum” on the transition of the UOC religious community of vlg. Rachyn under the «jurisdiction» of the UOC-KP. The initiators of these events were representatives of Dubno district administration, law enforcement agencies and representatives of the «Right Sector». After the divine service, a large number of aggressive persons (about 300 people) approached the church. They strongly required the UOC community transfer the church to the Kyiv Patriarchate and threatened the parishioners if they refused to leave the church. Later the church was seized…»
To learn more about religious freedom infringements committed against the UOC believers you are encouraged to consult our detailed reports and statements:
- Collection of Information Materials and Documents “Facts, Evidence and Claims Regarding Violations of the Rights of Believers and Religious Organizations of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2014-2016”.
- Written Statement of the NGO “Public Advocacy” within the United Nations 28th Universal Periodic Review on Ukraine.
- Written Statement of the NGO “Public Advocacy” on the violations against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church within the United Nations 37-th Regular Session.
- Statement of the NGO “Public Advocacy”