Trial of Uzhhorod cathedral rector (UOC) to begin on 5 May

Rector of the Holy Cross Cathedral (UOC) of the Holy Cross in Uzhhorod, Archpriest Dimitry Sydor. Photo: a video screenshot of the cathedral's Telegram channel

On May 5, 2023, the Uzhhorod City District Court will start proceedings in the case of the rector of the Holy Cross Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Archpriest Dimitry Sydor, who is accused of his statements regarding the OCU. The priest said this in a video statement posted on the cathedral's Telegram channel.

"We are all well aware that both Metropolitan Pavel, Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and I are being judged for only one thing – that we dared to stand up for our Church," the archpriest noted. “And what are we to do if She alone is the graceful canonical saving Church?"

Father Dimitry asked the UOC faithful for prayerful support.

"We heartily ask for your holy prayers and for God's blessing to testify to the whole world about the blessed faith of Christ, which opens the door to the Kingdom of God for us," the priest said.

As reported, in mid-March, the police informed Archpriest Dimitry Sydor of suspicion of committing an offence under part 1 of Article 161 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code (incitement of religious hatred and enmity, insulting the feelings of citizens in connection with their religious beliefs).

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