Dumenko accuses Russia of hate mongering among Ukrainians

Raider seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy by supporters of the OCU. Photo: Screenshot from UOJ video

Epifaniy Dumenko, head of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), issued a statement on Facebook expressing concern over the rise in aggression and hatred, particularly on social media. He emphasized that during times of stress and uncertainty, people often express their frustrations through anger, hostility, and hatred: “They are disappointed, exhausted, and literally torn apart morally, psychologically, and often physically.”

Dumenko also highlighted the damaging impact of hatred on society. “Hate not only wounds; it contributes to polarization and artificially divides people. It’s a shame that our people are sometimes subjected to these artificially created waves of hatred, especially regarding politics, religion, and the like.” He added, “Someone wants to sow discord among Ukrainians from within, setting one group against another. And I know one common and insidious enemy for whom this is very beneficial – the Russian empire of evil.”

In his post, he called for responding to evil with good, citing biblical principles: “Scripture teaches us to respond to evil with good. We must overcome evil through good, for evil cannot be defeated by another evil.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, during the forceful takeover of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, more than 30 laypeople and clergy were injured by OCU supporters, though not all sought medical help. “Twelve of the most severe cases, including several priests, were hospitalized and are still undergoing surgeries,” said Metropolitan Theodosiy. He noted that one priest of the Cherkasy Eparchy was knocked to the ground and beaten, sustaining significant injuries and losing six teeth.

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