Primate of Malankara Orthodox Church Condemns Seizure of Cherkasy Cathedral and Attack on Metropolitan Theodosy

DECR – OCP News Service – 23/10/2024

Moscow- Russia: The Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Church, His Holiness Catholicos Marthoma Matthew the III, sent a letter to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ condemning the raider seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy:

“With a heavy heart, I write to express our deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the alarming news of the recent raider seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkasy on October 17. The brutal attack, during which armed individuals in camouflage and balaclavas assaulted Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and Kanev, [as well as] priests, and parishioners, is horrifying. The use of tear gas and physical violence against believers in a sacred place dedicated to worship and peace is an affront to both faith and humanity. Unfortunately, we recognize that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader and troubling pattern of persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. Such events, marked by aggression and intolerance, raise deep concern, and we stand in solidarity with all who suffer unjustly for their faith,” wrote the Primate of the Malankara Church.

“In these difficult times, we assure you of our prayerful support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its believers. Our hearts and prayers are directed to Metropolitan Theodosy, the clergy, and the faithful who have suffered from this violence. We pray that the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, may be with them and grant them strength and comfort”. His Holiness Catholicos noted that the believers of the Malankara Church face the same trials as the believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. ‘We are united with you in prayer, asking for Divine intervention, protection, and the restoration of peace and justice for Orthodox believers in Ukraine,’ testified the First Hierarch.

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DECR and OCP News Service