On April 5, 2023, on the Facebook page of the Rivne “eparchy” of the OCU, a message appeared that a general meeting of the “Religious community of the Parish of the Transfiguration Cathedral of the Sarny diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Kuznetsovsk” (Varash) was held, which was convened by members of the community in accordance with the requirements of the Law of Ukraine “On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations”, and allegedly took place in compliance with the norms of the current legislation.

“During the meeting, almost unanimously, a decision was made to change the subordination in canonical and organizational matters to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) by subordinating to the Administration of the Rivne Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Orthodox Church of Ukraine) and by introducing appropriate changes to the Charter of the religious community,” — the message says.

It is reported that 1015 of its members took part in the general meeting of the religious community. Of these, 1012 – voted “For” the change of subordination, “Abstained” – 3.

Further, the press service of the “eparchy” stated that the OCU “does not call for the seizure of the churches of the Moscow Patriarchate or forcible change of their confessional affiliation. This was repeatedly stated by both our Primate, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epifaniy, and Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the Rivne diocese. However, for those who are ready and willing to join the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, our doors are always open!”