Preventive measure for Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy tightened

Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv. Photo: t.me/EpTheodosius

On 27 June 2024, the Prydniprovskyi District Court of Cherkasy decided to place Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv under round-the-clock house arrest again. "I am returning to round-the-clock stay at home, to prayer in the house church," said the Cherkasy bishop in a video message to his flock.

"It has been exactly six months since the day when the Lord, through St. Nicholas’s prayers, partially freed me on 20 December 2023. For six months, I had the opportunity to travel around the eparchy and deliver sermons. I celebrated the Liturgy in all monasteries without exception, served in parishes, communicated with people, and affirmed the canonical foundation of our Church in the eparchy. I am grateful to God for every day of this period," said the bishop.

Metropolitan Theodosiy stated that the lawyers will file an appeal. However, in his view, the period of relative freedom for him is over.

"I am returning under house arrest, but we are not parting with you. We remain together—in common prayer, in liturgical prayer, continuing to be one, a unified Cherkasy Eparchy. Brothers and sisters, I ask for your prayers," concluded the hierarch.

As reported, on 19 June, SBU officers conducted another search in Metropolitan Theodosiy’s residence. According to the bishop on his Telegram channel, the formal reason for this fourth search was a criminal case initiated over a sermon given to one of the persecuted communities in the Cherkasy region. However, he believes that the real reason lies in his refusal to be exchanged as a "prisoner of war". Later, the SBU announced the delivery of a fifth suspicion to Metropolitan Theodosiy (Snigirev).

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