First court hearings held in the case of UOC cathedral defenders in Cherkasy

Father Roman Harkavenko and Father Oleksandr Smyk are being accused under Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Photo: Dozor

Father Roman Harkavenko and Father Oleksandr Smyk are being accused under Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Photo: Dozor

On March 11, 2025, the first court hearings took place in the cases against the defenders of St. Michael's Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkasy, as reported by the Dozor Telegram channel.

Clergymen Father Roman Harkavenko and Father Oleksandr Smyk are being accused under Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which pertains to "hooliganism".

"Through these cynical trials against Orthodox Christians, the authorities are attempting to cover up the bloody massacre carried out by OCU militants inside the cathedral," Orthodox journalists claim.

During the hearing, Father Roman fully denied any guilt. According to Dozor, his defense possesses "ironclad evidence that one of the so-called witnesses was not even present at the scene."

It is noted that since the case against Father Oleksandr is falling apart, the prosecution proposed a reconciliation agreement.

"The clergyman refused, as the law enforcement documents referred to the seized cathedral as the 'garrison cathedral of the OCU.' The prosecutor refused to acknowledge the shrine's affiliation with the UOC. The trial will continue," the report states.

According to Dozor journalists, the prosecution has now taken a pause in the proceedings.

As previously reported by the UOJ, law enforcement officers from the Territorial Recruitment Center (TRC) had attempted to detain the cathedral defenders near the courthouse.

Read also

Expert on DESS deferrals: Pagans from “Orthodoxy” and “Svit Dazhbozhyi”

Liudmyla Fylypovych analyzed the list of “exotic” cults and organizations included by DESS in its register of “critically important” groups for the country.

KDA associate professor slams DESS study on UOC's alleged affiliation to ROC

According to Fr. Herman, the study was conducted by people who lack understanding of church realities, who manipulated documents and simply tailored the conclusions to fit a predetermined result.

Court hearing in the case of Metropolitan Arseniy postponed to July 17

At the next hearing, the court is expected to consider the prosecutor’s request to extend the hierarch’s detention.

In Cherkasy, “bishop” and clergy of OCU wear vestments stolen from UOC

Media outlets have published photos of liturgical vestments and church items stolen by raiders from the Cherkasy Cathedral, which are now being used by members of Dumenko’s structure.

DESS expert comments on UOC-ROC affiliation claims

In conclusion, a religious organization can be liquidated based on its canonical affiliation – this has been repeatedly criticized by international organizations.

In Myropillia, St. Nicholas Church of UOC destroyed by shelling

As a result of a direct hit, the central part of the church was completely destroyed, the dome and central tower were demolished, and the ceilings, roof, and roofing collapsed.