Metropolitan Theodosius: trials make the Church spiritually stronger

Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev) of Cherkassy and Kanev summarized the recent years of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s life, noting the qualitative inner rebirth of the congregations in the face of modern challenges. According to the hierarch, despite the pressure and military actions, the believers have become more firm in their ecclesiasticism, and the Church itself has acquired a “clear and solid crystalline lattice”, having gotten rid of random people.

According to the information portal “Union of Orthodox Journalists”, Vladyka Theodosiy emphasized that the number of parishioners in the churches of Cherkassy region has not decreased. Internally displaced persons from the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine are taking the place of those who left the country and are actively involved in the life of the communities. The Metropolitan characterized the current period as “a time of personal choice,” comparing loyalty to the Church to the readiness to go to Calvary.

The publication paid special attention to the issue of clergy fidelity. Vladyka noted that cases of priests leaving the UOC in Cherkasy diocese are isolated. In his opinion, the main reason for such deeds is often the fear of losing earthly prosperity and material assets. “For a simple layman to resist in the Truth is sometimes much easier, as he is not burdened with church resources”, – explained Metropolitan in his interview.

As part of the support of clergy in Cherkassy diocese a number of practical measures have been introduced. Since the beginning of the large-scale persecution, all diocesan contributions from parishes and monasteries have been completely canceled. Affected communities that have lost their churches are being assisted in renting or building new premises, and the Marfo-Marian Sisterhood of Mercy provides food and things for those in need. Metropolitan Theodosius urged the faithful to thank God for the opportunity to show the firmness of faith in these difficult times.

It should be noted that earlier the hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanich) drew attention to the fact that the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations ignores the violation of the rights of clergy and believers of the UOC. The bishop cited the example of forced mobilization of the UOC clergy, noting that the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations does not seem to notice what is happening.