Oriental Orthodox Churches reps condemn seizure of cathedral in Cherkasy

Metropolitan Abraham Mar Stephanos (Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church). Photo: ROC DECR Communication Service

Representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches expressed their deep concern over the violent seizure of the St. Michael’s Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkasy, which took place on October 17, 2024, reports the Communication Service of the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC DECR). Hierarchs of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church and a priest of the Ethiopian Patriarchate condemned the attack, highlighting the violation of the believers' rights and calling for respect for religious freedom.

Metropolitan Abraham Mar Stephanos of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church stated that this attack was a violation of the dignity of the Church and its faithful. In his statement, he noted:

"With great sorrow and indignation, I write to express my deepest concern regarding the recent raid and violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkasy on October 17. The attack on Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, the clergy, and believers by armed men in camouflage and balaclavas, accompanied by the use of tear gas, is a shocking and grievous act. Such brutality, directed against Orthodox believers in a sacred place, is a violation of the dignity of the Church and its faithful."

He also expressed support for the UOC clergy, adding:

"We wish to convey our sincere prayers and solidarity with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, especially with Metropolitan Theodosiy, the clergy, and the faithful who are enduring such trials. The faithful here join me in prayers for peace, justice, and strength to withstand these difficult times."

Ethiopian Patriarchate priest, Daniel Seyfemichael, in his comment, condemned the pressure on the UOC and called on the Ukrainian government to protect the rights of the faithful:

"The Ethiopian Church looks with sorrow at the news coming from Ukraine. Everything happening there, including this attack on the cathedral, now known to the whole world, testifies that the Orthodox Church and its believers in Ukraine are under terrible political pressure. This is completely unacceptable. Any church is a place of peace and prayer, not of violence and curses. The feelings of believers and their rights – no matter which traditional denomination or religion we are talking about – must be unconditionally respected and strictly protected by any state."

Both representatives of the Oriental Orthodox Churches expressed solidarity with the UOC and called for the protection of religious rights in Ukraine.

As the UOJ reported, Amsterdam discussed the seizure of the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy with Metropolitan Theodosiy.

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