Subdeacon of Khmelnytsky Cathedral speaks about "beating of the military"

Subdeacon of the Intercession Cathedral in Khmelnytsky Ihor Slobodian. Photo: Slobodian’s Facebook

Ihor Slobodian, subdeacon of the Intercession Cathedral of the UOC in Khmelnytsky, told how the events took place in the church on April 2, 2023, which the media dubbed the “beating of the military”, and which became the catalyst for the seizure of the cathedral by a furious crowd of citizens. Slobodian posted a video message on his Facebook page.

“On Sunday, April 2, 2023, at the service before the reading of the Holy Gospel, Arhur Ananyev ran up to the pulpit, which stands in the center of the temple, and poured water on Father Protodeacon Rostyslav. We did not react to this in any way, because lately we have become accustomed to such provocations. After that, Ananyev jumped onto the pulpit and attacked the protodeacon, tearing off his church vestments. As a result, the holy Gospel fell to the floor,” said the subdeacon of the cathedral.

He stated that together with the parishioners, he dragged Ananyev aside, and since he disrupted the service, he called the police. According to Slobodian, even in the presence of the police, Ananyev behaved extremely aggressively and insulted those present. He says that he learned with bewilderment about the demands of Mayor Symchyshyn to fire the police officers who detained Ananyev and drew up an administrative protocol against him.

“I ask the leadership of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in the Khmelnytsky region to protect my rights as a citizen of Ukraine, to save me from illegal persecution, and to protect the police officers themselves, because I know that at the moment the police refuse to take evidence in this case. Taking into account everything that is going on in society, I cannot consider myself protected by the law,” said Ihor Slobodian.

Recall that OCU raiders seized the UOC Cathedral in Khmelnytsky.

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