In Khmelnytskyi, residents of the regional capital organized a large-scale protest against the visit of Metropolitan Onufriy, head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, who was planning to attend a service at the Holy Nicholas Cathedral
The event gathered about two hundred participants, including veterans, active servicemen, and relatives of fallen heroes. They expressed their discontent and protested against the presence of a high-ranking representative of the UOC MP in the city, which caused tension within the local community. The rally began near the church on Wednesday evening, when people assembled to voice their position through chants and acts of civil disobedience. The protesters blocked access to the cathedral using garbage trucks and sewage removal equipment, making every effort to prevent the holding of the worship service. Additionally, the protesters resorted to radical methods of expressing their dissatisfaction, pouring pig’s blood on the church gates — an act perceived by Ukrainian citizens as a sign of deep outrage at the presence of a spiritual leader associated with the Russian Orthodox Church, which is often linked to pro-Russian stances and political conflicts. Not only ordinary faithful but also representatives of local civic organizations, veterans, and servicemen voiced opposition to the expected service that day, considering it unacceptable for a high-ranking church hierarch from an aggressor country to receive public support in his native city. According to preliminary reports, the church service involving Onufriy was scheduled to start at 5:00 PM; however, due to the widespread protest and delays in preparations, the event was canceled. The following day, May 22, the press service of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy of the UOC MP announced that the planned consecration of the Holy Nicholas Cathedral would no longer take place. This decision was made to preserve public peace and prevent possible conflicts and clashes among residents. “In order to maintain peace and understanding, and to avoid tension and confrontation among citizens, we have decided to cancel the ceremonial consecration of the church with the participation of the leadership of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, which was scheduled for May 22, 2025,” the press service stated. It is worth emphasizing that this was an important gesture by the local authorities and the church in response to the broad public reaction and the attempt to avoid further escalation of the conflict, which remains relevant in the context of pro-Russian influences and internal political tensions in Ukraine. The protests and decisive actions by the residents of Khmelnytskyi demonstrated the significance of civic stance and the desire to preserve national security and spiritual independence.