Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Cherkassy Attacked, Metropolitan Theodosy Injured

DECR and church.ua– OCP News Service – 19/10/2024

Kyiv – Ukraine: In a shocking incident, the Archangel-Mikhail Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy was attacked on the night of October 16-17. Approximately 100 masked assailants stormed the cathedral grounds during a night Liturgy, forcibly removing believers and damaging church property.

During the attack, Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkassy and Kanev was injured. He was struck on the head and sprayed with tear gas, requiring medical attention. The attack on the Metropolitan is a clear escalation of the violence against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

The attackers, believed to be affiliated with the schismatic “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” (OCU), also vandalized the diocesan administration building and blocked the diocesan clergy dormitory. Despite the violence, the diocese reports that police did not intervene to prevent the attack.

The following morning, believers managed to re-enter the cathedral. However, one of the attackers opened fire with a pistol towards the UOC clergy and parishioners, and tear gas was also used against them. The attackers stole a significant amount of church donations, including an icon, panagias, church utensils, and books.

Following the incident, some biased media outlets began spreading false information about the events, distorting the facts surrounding the seizure of the cathedral and the use of violence against UOC believers.

The attack on the Archangel-Mikhail Cathedral is a clear violation of religious freedom and a continuation of the ongoing persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by extremist groups. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for international action to protect religious rights in Ukraine.

Source:

OCP News Service