Hierarch of the Serbian Church expressed support for Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy

The hierarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Ioannikije of Montenegro and the Littoral, sent a letter to Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv in connection with the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkasy. The bishop called what happened in Cherkasy a crime and expressed his support to the head of the Cherkasy diocese of the UOC. This was reported by the official website of the Cherkasy diocese of the UOC.

“It was with great pain and sympathy that I received the news of the violent seizure by raiders of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in Cherkasy. Ukrainian schismatics have repeatedly, but this time especially clearly and vividly, shown the whole world through the violence and hatred with which they attacked this shrine that we are talking about people who do not have basic concepts of the faith of Christ and are not its bearers if they are ready to commit such a crime and deprive their brothers of a house of worship,” – wrote Metropolitan Jonnikije.

The hierarch of the Serbian Church assured Metropolitan Theodosius of his prayerful support and expressed hope that the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC would be able to return the seized Cathedral to its ownership.

“In such a difficult situation, you, dear Bishop, together with your clergy and flock, have shown the whole world an example of true sacrifice, readiness to fight for freedom of faith and conscience in a Christian way. In this difficult time for you, I assure you of our fraternal support and tireless prayer for you, your clergy and pious flock. We believe and pray that the Lord will hear your prayers and that you will soon celebrate the Divine Eucharist in your Cathedral again,” – the Metropolitan concluded.

Earlier, the hierarch of the Jerusalem Patriarchate, Archbishop Theodosius of Sevastopol, called on the Local Orthodox Churches to form a common position on the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The bishop believes that the persecution of the Church, which is taking place in Ukraine and which, in particular, recently affected the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC, where the Cathedral was seized, is gaining momentum and becoming more violent. He called for everything to be done to stop the persecution of the UOC.