Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy spoke to Greek media about the unprecedented persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv spoke about the critical situation facing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). According to the hierarch, believers and clergy are facing systematic pressure, criminal prosecution, and physical violence, which, the metropolitan claims, bears the hallmarks of “genocide against a religious group.” He spoke about this in a recent interview with the website Romfea.gr.

Metropolitan Theodosius described the situation in the country in detail, emphasizing that the UOC is going through the most difficult period in its modern history. He noted that clergy are subject to widespread criminal prosecution for their theological beliefs and their disagreement with the actions of other religious organizations. In addition, the hierarch pointed to the forced mobilization of the clergy, which deprives them of the legal protections afforded to members of other faiths.

Special attention was given in the interview to the violent seizures of churches and monasteries. His Eminence shared his personal account of an attack that occurred during the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy, as a result of which he suffered a traumatic brain injury and spinal damage. He also recalled the tragic deaths of monks who, in his view, became victims of ideological and physical terror.

Metropolitan Theodosius insists on preserving the canonical integrity of the Church, despite political pressure. He expressed his conviction that church life should not depend on the erosion of state relations or political circumstances. The hierarch called on the international community and believers in Europe to show solidarity by using EU legal mechanisms to protect religious freedom in Ukraine, comparing the current situation to the era of persecution during the Soviet period.