Met Theodosiy urges security forces to stay away from persecution of Church

Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Cherkasy Eparchy

On the feast day of St. Basil the Great and the celebration of the Circumcision of the Lord, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv called orders directed against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) criminal during his sermon. The Cherkasy Eparchy’s press service posted a video of the sermon.

His Eminence highlighted that people with honor and conscience must resist such orders, even if they come from authorities.

Using the example of King Herod, who ordered the killing of 14,000 infants in Bethlehem, Metropolitan Theodosiy noted that "in all times, there have been both conscious persecutors of the Church and those who unwillingly carried out criminal orders." He added, "This was true in Bethlehem, during the crucifixion of the Lord, in Soviet times, and it is true today."

Addressing the staff of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), prosecutors, police, and medical institutions, the hierarch said: "In your conscience, you understand that everything being done against the UOC is false, it is a crime. And when the perpetrators are punished – either in this life or the next –  you should not share in their fate."

The head of the Cherkasy Eparchy reminded everyone that throughout history, there have always been people who refused to follow orders against the Church and the people.

"Act like the conscientious soldiers in Bethlehem who refused to kill infants (some feigned illness, others found other excuses). Similarly, in Soviet times, some were sent to demolish churches but they didn’t; they threw away the documents instead. Some of these churches still stand today because deep down, some party officials were believers and didn’t allow those orders to proceed."

Metropolitan Theodosiy stressed that actions against the Church are not just violations of the law but a direct rebellion against God.

"Those who carry out criminal orders are not just acting against their people – they are acting against the Church and God Himself," he said.

The hierarch also addressed believers who are being misled into opposing the UOC: "If your minds are being duped, and you’re told that we are not the true Church while another is, open your eyes: this is the true Church! You were baptized in this Church, your parents were baptized, married, confessed, communed, and buried here. Your grandparents and great-grandparents – they were all part of this Church, the one you are now persecuting."

He stated that the vast majority of priests, despite government pressure, have not changed jurisdictions and continue to serve in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. He urged people not to betray their people or their Church:

"Do not betray your people or your Church. This time will inevitably pass. Those who gave you criminal orders will try to save themselves, and maybe some will succeed. But they will leave you behind, and the people will never forgive you for it."

Metropolitan Theodosiy also underscored that the Church, as the living Body of Christ, cannot be destroyed: "The Church will remain alive, and nothing can be done against it. But those who insult the clergy, the faithful – your own people – those who try to destroy the Church, though they will fail, will answer to God."

Concluding his sermon, the UOC hierarch once again appealed to those participating in the repression of the Church: "Once again, I appeal to those who are merely following orders: do not carry out criminal orders! You will have to answer to God later."

As previously reported by the UOJ, unidentified individuals in camouflage recently seized a UOC cathedral in Cherkasy on their second attempt.

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