UOC representative speaks in Warsaw about seizure of Cathedral in Cherkasy

UOC believers in Cherkasy near the fence of their cathedral, seized by the OCU. Photo: focus.ua

On December 10, during the European Ecumenical Consultation in Warsaw, Professor Serhiy Bortnyk from the Kyiv Theological Academy spoke about the seizure of the largest cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkasy. According to him, this incident is a vivid example of the problem of violence in Ukraine's religious sphere.

“The seizure of the Cherkasy Cathedral, considered the largest church building in Ukraine, occurred on October 17, a month and a half after the law effectively banning the UOC as being associated with the Moscow Patriarchate came into force,” Bortnyk noted. He emphasized that this incident followed the same pattern seen in the takeover of hundreds of UOC parish churches in rural areas.

Bortnyk pointed out that neither state authorities nor the leadership of the Dumenko-led OCU condemned the use of violence. “The adoption of the law has not reduced violence during the transition of churches to the OCU. Local authorities actively supported the cathedral’s transfer, as in most previous cases,” the professor stated.

He also noted that the actions of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy, who until recently commemorated Patriarch Kirill during the liturgy and criticized the canonical status of the OCU, caused dissatisfaction among certain segments of society. However, Bortnyk believes this does not change the fact that violence is rampant in the religious sphere of Ukraine.

“Today, we see the principle of political expediency prevailing over the rule of law. Central state authorities continue to provide various forms of support to the OCU and do not respond to violent takeovers of parish buildings and shrines,” the professor stressed.

Earlier, the UOJ reported on a teenager’s account of the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy.

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