MP shows video from Cherkasy that sparked persecution of a UOC cleric

A priest of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC. Photo: Video screenshot

MP and UOC subdeacon Artem Dmytruk shared a video recorded in the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the city of Cherkasy, which captured a verbal altercation between a UOC priest and a provocateur wearing a T-shirt with the combined letters "І" and "N". Following the release of this video, the UOC cleric was subjected to persecution in local media, with journalists calling on the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to "deal with enemy propaganda".

"During a conversation with the priests, one of them accused the young man of having a 'fascist symbol' on his T-shirt. It was actually the Ukrainian symbol 'Idea of the Nation' – a monogram combining the letters 'І' and 'N', which has been actively used by nationalist organizations since 1992. After the start of the war, it has appeared in the symbols and patches of volunteer military units such as AZOV and the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade," the statement said.

It was reported that the activists were unable to hold their demonstration at the building of the Sosnovsky Court, as Metropolitan Theodosiy, whose appearance they were preparing for, did not come to court due to a heart attack. Therefore, they stormed the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy, where the priests tried to reason with them.

"Is this how spiritual independence works? Running through churches, insulting, and beating priests? These are the realities of today's times. Such morals, such fashion...

And our clergy – well done!" MP Dmytruk commented on the incident.

As reported by the UOJ, due to Metropolitan Theodosiy's heart attack, his court case was postponed.

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