OCU сalls on "сompetent authorities" to arrest Metropolitan Theodosiy

Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Facebook of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC

The Cherkasy Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) has expressed outrage over the court's decision to lift Metropolitan Theodosiy's nighttime house arrest, calling on "competent authorities to reconsider the case," according to a statement published on the diocese's Facebook page.

The statement emphasizes that, following the court’s ruling, "the metropolitan can now move freely at any time and conduct religious services."

"This decision is deeply troubling, as it sets a dangerous precedent – an individual who has openly promoted Russian narratives is once again able to influence believers and spread pro-Russian propaganda," the OCU diocese wrote.

The OCU further claimed that Metropolitan Theodosiy:

• "Ordered the creation of a diocesan website modeled after the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC), which justified Russia’s war against Ukraine,"
• "Publicly supported Moscow priests who blessed the occupiers,"
• "Made statements that played into Kremlin propaganda."

However, the OCU did not provide any examples or evidence to substantiate these accusations. At the same time, they stated that the return of the UOC’s Cherkasy hierarch to unrestricted religious life was "unacceptable", arguing that "this is not just a religious issue, but a matter of national security!"

"We call on the competent authorities to reconsider the case and take all necessary measures to protect Ukrainian society from an information diversion disguised as 'religious activity'. Ukraine is fighting for its freedom, and we cannot allow hostile ideology to undermine our unity from within!" the OCU statement reads.

As previously reported, the court explained its decision to lift Metropolitan Theodosiy’s nighttime house arrest.

Earlier, the UOJ wrote that the "clergy" of the OCU’s Cherkasy Diocese, led by "Bishop" Yaremenko, looted the diocesan library and stole Metropolitan Theodosiy’s personal belongings after seizing the UOC’s St. Michael’s Cathedral.

"'Metropolitan’ of the OCU Ivan Yaremenko immediately after the forceful seizure posed for publicity in my office, personally looting my library. He did this without any shame, and then posted his video on the Internet. Now this Yaremenko ‘serves’ in the seized cathedral, using the vestments of our clergy, my personal staff, a dikirion and a trikirion and other church utensils," Metropolitan Theodosiy stated.

Read also