OCU raiders announce seizure of two more UOC churches in Cherkasy

The Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church informs that supporters of the OCU, with the support of local authorities, plan to seize two more churches of the UOC in Cherkasy in the near future. We are talking about the churches in honor of the Nativity of Christ and the Apostle Andrew the First-Called, which are not architectural monuments and are not owned by the city authorities. This was reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC.

“Brothers and sisters, believers of Cherkasy! There is information from various sources that the raiders of the OCU, with the support of security forces, are planning to seize another church in the city in the near future. This time, the invaders have targeted the churches of St. Andrew the First-Called in Mytnytsia and the Nativity of Christ in the PZR. In a number of state-funded institutions, employees were warned under pain of dismissal that they would have to be on the alert in the morning to “squeeze the churches from the Moscow priests.” The bandits may arrive tomorrow or on another day. As soon as the exact time of the planned attack is known, we will inform everyone immediately. Brothers and sisters! Exchange contacts! Stay in touch even at night! Let’s defend our shrine from the barbarians!”, — the press service of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC reported.

In addition, the diocese reminded the invaders that these churches and the land plots under them are owned by the Administration of the Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, so no “territorial assembly” has the right to dispose of the future of these religious buildings.

“For the information of raiders and security forces: The churches of Sts. Andrew and the Nativity of Christ and the land plots under them are the property of the Cherkasy Diocesan Administration with all the relevant documents and the State Land Act. These churches do not and will NEVER belong to any “communities”. No “communities” have any property rights to them. Seizure of someone else’s property, especially a temple, is a crime for which sooner or later everyone — from the organizers to the “extras” from state employees — will have to answer. To answer, including to God. Believing residents of the city will not just give up their churches. Invaders! You have already disgraced our city before the whole world by seizing the Cathedral, which now stands empty. Come to your senses and fear GOD!”, — the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC summarized.

We recall that on October 17, 2024, OCU raiders seized the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. During the clash, the clergy and parishioners of the church were expelled from the premises. Many clergymen and believers of the UOC were hospitalized with injuries of varying severity and chemical burns from tear gas used by the raiders.