Four criminal cases opened against UOC believers over Cherkasy clashes
Seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy, October 17, 2024. Photo: religionnews
In Cherkasy, police have issued formal suspicions against four defenders of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). Among them are two laypeople and two clergymen. They are accused under Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine – hooliganism, according to the kozakTv1 Telegram channel.
Authorities have also opened a criminal case against Father Oleksandr Smyk, the trustee of the Marfo-Mariinsky Sisterhood. Meanwhile, the case against Father Roman Horkavenko has already been sent to court. "He is apparently accused of using a pepper spray canister against hired OCU militants who stormed the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC," journalists report.
According to available information, the investigation is proceeding at an accelerated pace.
As previously reported by the UOJ, Metropolitan Theodosiy has urged law enforcement not to participate in persecution against the Church.
Read also
OCU cleric responds to Hryshchuk's provocations at funerals for AFU soldiers
Sofroniy Chuprina refuted claims about the necessity of opening the Royal Doors during funeral services.
Kosmach residents accuse OCU monks of supporting "Russian world" ideas
Parishioners of the OCU stated that the monastery residents near the village of Kosmach use pro-Russian rhetoric, preventing them from switching to the "new calendar".
Medieval church in England safeguarded with National Lottery funds
The preservation of a 13th-century church in Leicestershire was made possible thanks to money from British National Lottery draws.
Lavra Reserve marks centenary of Bolshevik seizure of the monastery
Reconstructions of museum exhibits from the “museum town,” which the Bolsheviks proclaimed within the monastery walls, were staged by the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Reserve.
Sweden stops state support for Islamic organizations in country
The Swedish government has officially stopped all taxpayer-funded grants to the aid organization Islamic Relief Sweden (IRS) after an investigation revealed risks of connections to extremism.
Head of Montenegro’s schismatics meet with Phanar representative in Rome
A Finnish archbishop under the Phanar’s jurisdiction held a meeting with a representative of an uncanonical church structure from Montenegro.