Police pursuing Cherkasy cathedral defenders, not the violent invaders

Cherkasy, Cherkasy Province, Ukraine, January 31, 2025

From the attack on the Cherkasy Cathedral in October. Photo: religionnews From the attack on the Cherkasy Cathedral in October. Photo: religionnews     

Police in the Ukrainian province of Cherkasy have decided to bring charges against the clergy and faithful of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church who attempted to defend their Archangel Michael Cathedral from a violent takeover in October.

Meanwhile, those who caused severe bodily harm to a number of people, including His Eminence Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy

Ukrainian Hierarch Appeals to Patriarch Bartholomew Following Brutal Church AttackOn October 17, one of the bloodiest takeovers took place in Cherkasy, when the schismatics seized the Archangel Michael Cathedral and violently attacked His Eminence Metropolitan Theodosy, as well as Orthodox clergy and parishioners.

, and desecrated the holy place with the use of weapons, continue to walk free.

“The bloody massacre orchestrated by OCU-hired militants at the UOC’s Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy has shocked the world. The blood and tears of dozens of injured Orthodox Christians cannot be washed from the hands of these raiders and criminals,” writes the First Cossack Telegram channel.

“They have decided to cleanse themselves of the horror they perpetrated during the assault. And they chose the most shameful and cynical means to do so.”

So far, at least four people—two priests and two laymen—have been officially notified of suspicion for hooliganism. According to the channel, investigators are trying to expedite the cases. The case against Fr. Roman Gorkavenko, who is alleged to have used pepper spray against the violent invaders, has already been sent to court, and he has been placed under nighttime house arrest.

The Orthodox Christians face from 3 to 7 years imprisonment.

Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!

1/31/2025

See also
For first time since Soviet Union, Ukraine takes ownership of saints’ relics For first time since Soviet Union, Ukraine takes ownership of saints’ relics For first time since Soviet Union, Ukraine takes ownership of saints’ relics For first time since Soviet Union, Ukraine takes ownership of saints’ relics
Repeating the shameful practice of Soviet anti-religious museums, officials are taking holy relics from believers to later decide at their discretion whether or not to allow people to pray to them, and even charge money for it, as entrance to the museum isn’t free. Metropolitan Theodosy diagnosed with burns and concussion after violent seizure of Cherkasy cathedral (+VIDEO) Metropolitan Theodosy diagnosed with burns and concussion after violent seizure of Cherkasy cathedral (+VIDEO)
Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and Kanev was severely injured. During the attack, he was beaten, his klobuk was torn off, and his bishop’s staff was snatched away and used to strike believers. The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled
Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled The Church of Christ Cannot be Closed or Cancelled
Report from the general meeting of the clergy, monks and laity of the Zaporozhie Diocese concerning the ban on the UOC
Metropolitan Luke (Kovalenko) of Zaporozhye and Melitopol
What options do the clergy and laity of our Church have after its ban?

Subscribe
to our mailing list

* indicates required