As reported, on October 20, 2024, the representative of the Ethiopian Patriarchate, Priest Daniel Seifemichael, gave an official commentary of the Ethiopian Church on the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church by the OCU radicals on October 17. Seifemichael criticized the pressure exerted on the UOC and called on the Ukrainian state to protect the rights of believers in the country.
The head of the Malankara Church of India expressed support for the UOC
Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Syriac Church His Holiness Catholicos Basil Mar Thomas Matthew III criticized the October 17 seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Cherkasy diocese of the UOC and expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The Catholicos noted that the case in Cherkassy is only a separate episode of the horrifying picture that is observed in Ukraine in connection with the unprecedented pressure on the canonical Church. This is reported by the Communication Service of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department of the Russian Orthodox Church.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to express our deep sorrow and condemnation in connection with the disturbing news of the recent raid of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy on October 17. The brutal attack, in which armed men in camouflage and balaclavas attacked Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev, priests and parishioners, is horrifying. The use of tear gas and physical violence against the faithful in a sacred place dedicated to worship and peace is an affront to both faith and humanity. Sadly, we realize that this is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger and disturbing pattern of persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. Such events, marked by aggression and intolerance, are of deep concern, and we stand in solidarity with all those who suffer unjustly for their faith,” — the Primate of the Malankara Church wrote.
The Catholicos added that the Malankara Church often faces similar trials experienced by the Orthodox in Ukraine. In this regard, Basil Mar Thomas Matthew assured the UOC of his full understanding and support.
“In these difficult times, we assure you of our prayerful support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its faithful. Our hearts and prayers go out to Metropolitan Theodosius, the clergy and the faithful affected by this violence. We pray that the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, be with them and grant them strength and comfort. His Holiness the Catholicos noted that the faithful of the Malankara Church are facing the same challenges faced by the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. “We are united with you in prayer, asking for Divine intervention, protection and restoration of peace and justice for the Orthodox faithful in Ukraine,” — the Hierarch added.
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