Schismatics occupy church in Ternopil region of Ukraine
MOSCOW. Oct 13 (Interfax) - Representatives of the self-proclaimed Kyiv Patriarchate have occupied the Church of St. Archistratigus Michael in the village of Butin, Ternopil region of Ukraine.
Believers went to the church to a liturgy on October 5, but could not get into the building, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church has reported on its website, citing Protopope Volodymyr Slobodyan, the father superior of the church said.
"The entrance to the church was guarded by unknown men in uniform and balaclavas, who called themselves 'Right Sector.' The police calmly looked on as they prevented us from entering the church. The Sunday service was disrupted," Father Volodymyr said.
The infuriated residents of the village collected seventy signatures protesting the transfer of the church to "the Kyiv Patriarchate" and demanding justice.
The Ternopil diocese regard the incident as a takeover and is preparing to file lawsuits against the authorities, accusing them of "neglecting the Ukrainian legislation," the report says.