Cherkasy Eparchy demands arrest of those responsible for cathedral seizure

Storming of the Cathedral in Cherkasy. Photo: UOJ

The Cherkasy and Kaniv Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has issued a statement following the violent seizure of the Holy Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy. The diocese demands the immediate arrest of those responsible for the violence, theft, and use of weapons during the takeover, as well as the return of the cathedral and other diocese properties to their rightful owner.

The diocese has submitted statements to Ukrainian law enforcement authorities, calling for the immediate arrest of those involved in the violence, theft of property, and use of weapons during the cathedral's seizure, and the return of all seized buildings to their rightful owner – the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC.

Additionally, the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC has addressed international human rights organizations, including the UN, OSCE, and human rights bodies of the European Union and the United States, urging them to draw attention to the egregious violations of human rights and freedom of religion. The diocese is also preparing a lawsuit in international courts for compensation, citing the lack of effective protection of property rights in Ukraine.

The statement provides a detailed account of the events: around 100 people in camouflage and balaclavas stormed the cathedral grounds during a nighttime liturgy, assaulted the worshippers, confiscated phones, destroyed security cameras, ransacked the accounting office, and stole substantial sums of money. Among the stolen funds were $60,000 collected for the purchase of a bell and 165,000 hryvnias intended for utility payments and assistance to the clergy.

When worshippers attempted to enter the cathedral on the morning of October 17, the attackers opened fire, presumably using gas weapons, and beat several individuals. Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv suffered head injuries, a concussion, and chemical burns to his eyes and skin. As a result of the attacks, about 40 people sustained various injuries, with 12 requiring hospitalization.

The Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC also highlights the inaction of the police, who were present at the scene but took no steps to protect the worshippers or detain the perpetrators.

The diocese emphasized that claims by some media outlets about a supposed "transition of the UOC community to the OCU" are false, as the Holy Archangel Michael Cathedral legally belongs to the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC and has no affiliation with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU).

The Cherkasy Eparchy calls on independent media and international organizations to spread accurate information about the seizure and the violations of believers' rights.

As previously reported by the UOJ, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) is calling for stricter detention measures for Metropolitan Theodosiy.

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