UOC Chancellor expresses support for Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC in connection with the seizure of the cathedral

Metropolitan Anthony (Pakanych), Chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, expressed support for Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv, clergy and faithful of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC in connection with the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy on October 17. Metropolitan Anthony drew attention to the fact that armed men, instead of defending Ukraine on the battlefield, are fighting in the rear with unarmed women and elderly believers. The hierarch’s comment was published on the Facebook page “Orthodox Life”.

«As you know, in Cherkasy, supporters of the OCU seized the cathedral by force. At the same time, the Orthodox parishioners of the church, along with Metropolitan Theodosius, were attacked by armed men. The believers and the bishop were beaten, gassed, and threatened with weapons… Everything that is happening once again demonstrates the madness that is happening in our country. Isn’t it madness to fight your own citizens during a foreign war? It is strange to see so many armed “warriors”, not at the front, but in their own peaceful city, boldly taking up arms against priests, women and the elderly. What is happening in Cherkasy is just one of the episodes of a brutal undeclared war with its own people. But it is impossible to win such a war,» said Metropolitan Anthony.

The hierarch added that by brutally seizing the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy, the OCU once again showed its essence. The Metropolitan assured the head of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC and the flock entrusted to him of his support.

«As for those who persecute the Church of Christ, they have fully manifested their essence, because the tree is recognized by its fruits. The Lord is their judge — we can only be horrified by their fate in the next century, unless they heal their souls through repentance. We are now with Bishop Theodosius and his flock with all our hearts. But no matter how difficult it is for us in these crazy evil times, we will continue to carry the Light of Christ, we will continue to profess our faith, the saving faith that the holy fathers gave us and our great-grandfathers bequeathed to us,» Metropolitan Anthony added.

As reported, on September 3, 2024, the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia issued a statement in which it expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv and All Ukraine. The Synod of the OCCLS stated that democratic countries cannot adopt laws aimed at prohibiting the activities of religious organizations.