In Cherkasy, prosecutor accuses diocesan website of inciting hatred

Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Suspilne

On November 11, a court session was held in Cherkasy regarding Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, head of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, reports Suspilne. Metropolitan Theodosiy attended the session online, providing a medical certificate confirming his inability to be physically present in the courtroom.

The metropolitan’s lawyers requested a ban on video recording of the session by journalists, but the court denied this request.

During the session, prosecutor Vadym Kolomiyets read case materials, which alleged that internet resources linked to the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC published materials that incited interfaith hostility and justified Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Specifically, articles criticizing Ukrainian authorities and claiming the illegality of the "seizure of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" were posted on the diocese's website.

The prosecutor also added that archived articles and screenshots from the site were included in the case to prevent their deletion. Investigators claimed that content on the UOC eparchy's website was linked to Russian resources accessible through the Russian-language version of the site.

In response, Metropolitan Theodosiy's lawyer pointed to potential violations in the collection of evidence, asserting that investigators used a VPN to access a Russian domain, which he argued is contrary to Ukrainian law. The prosecutor noted that the investigation protocols did not specify whether a VPN was used.

The court will continue the case on November 29, when further evidence, including audio and video materials, will be reviewed in the presence of the judge.

Previously, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv called on the faithful to pray to Archangel Michael for the return to the cathedral taken over by the OCU.

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