Bandits seize convent in Cherkasy and expel nuns onto the streets

Bandits and police near the convent in Cherkasy. Photo: UOJ

On November 20, 2023, bandits who seized the convent in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Cherkasy, forcibly evicted the residing nuns onto the streets.

Eyewitnesses report that the situation near the sanctuary is relatively calm at the moment. Representatives of Cherkasy media entered the monastery to interview the raiders.

Believers are gradually dispersing, while the bandits are inside the monastery, throwing monastery property onto the streets.

Individuals in military uniforms, claiming to be members of the "National Corps," broke windows in the monastery refectory, penetrated inside, and knocked down the entrance doors from the inside.

They roam through the monastic cells, breaking doors. According to the abbot of the monastery, Archbishop John, they threatened him, demanding money and some 'gold.' The nuns living in the shrine were thrown out onto the street beyond the gates.

At the same time, as reported by a source from the , the invaders have organized a 'supply service,' bringing food into the monastery.

Meanwhile, the police and the 'National Corps' are on duty near the third city hospital, obstructing any video and photo recording, demanding the immediate deletion of captured materials.

Particular activity in countering the documentation of the ongoing lawlessness is displayed by the police from the patrol car with the number '7050.'

Earlier, the UOJ reported that raiders were dividing the property of the monastery dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Cherkasy Diocese of the UOC among themselves.

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