Cherkasy, Cherkasy Province, Ukraine, December 5, 2025
Cherkasy Diocese
His Eminence Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and Kanev, one of the most persecuted hierarchs of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church, is showing signs of recovery after being urgently hospitalized late last week.
His hospitalization followed a severe deterioration in health over the previous weeks. Tests indicated the presence of toxic substances in his body, leading to suspicions that he may have been poisoned, possibly with heavy metals.
The Cherkasy Diocese stated yesterday:
Dear brothers and sisters!
We sincerely thank all of you for your fervent prayers for the health of Metropolitan Theodosy!
Today, on the Feast of the Entrance of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, after receiving Holy Communion, Vladyka’s condition began to improve.
Over these past few days, doctors have administered intensive detox therapy and liver-support treatment, along with a wide array of diagnostic tests.
We believe that, through the intercession of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, and through the prayers of many Orthodox Christians from around the world, the Lord will raise Vladyka from his sickbed healthy and whole, for service to His Church and His people.
Met. Theodosy, who has been a vocal critic of the persecution faced by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, began showing signs of an unusual illness over a month ago. Initially, his symptoms—fevers, fluctuations in blood pressure, and general weakness—were thought to be related to his chronic heart issues. However, as his condition worsened, doctors ordered a series of tests, which revealed abnormal indicators that were 10-15 times higher than normal.
Vladyka’s hospitalization follows a series of health challenges over the past year, exacerbated by ongoing state persecution. He was previously subjected to extended house arrest on fabricated charges and his diocese has been a frequent target of violent church seizures. In October 2024, he was struck on the head during the violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy, though his episcopal klobuk helped soften the blow.
Despite the challenges, the archpastor has remained steadfast in his ministry. His health was also severely impacted by a heart attack in July 2024, a result of the immense pressure from the ongoing persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
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