Metropolitan Theodosius: Patriarch Bartholomew has the authority to stop the seizures of UOC churches

Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv stated that Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has full authority to put an end to the forcible seizures of churches belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, but has not yet taken decisive action.

In an interview with the Greek news agency “Romfea” , the UOC hierarch emphasized that the head of the Phanar is capable of influencing his clergy in Ukraine, who often instigate conflicts. According to His Eminence, a public call from Bartholomew to end the aggression would be sufficient to stop the beatings of believers and the illegal seizure of church property.

Metropolitan Theodosius also noted that the creation of parallel church structures in Ukraine has become a predictable source of instability. He expressed confidence that the Patriarch of Constantinople was aware of the possible tragic consequences of his decisions for the faithful of the UOC and for global Orthodoxy even as they were being implemented.

In his address, the hierarch paid particular attention to the seizure of the cathedral in Cherkasy. ““When I myself was beaten by representatives of the ‘Holy Church of Ukraine,’ I appealed to Patriarch Bartholomew directly from the altar of the cathedral, which was besieged by armed men; however, my appeal went unanswered,” the metropolitan emphasized. As a reminder, media reports had previously indicated that Patriarch Bartholomew, in response to criticism of his actions, had threatened his opponents with Judgment Day.