Police and National Guard surrounding two UOC churches in Cherkasy leave

UOC church in Cherkasy. Photo: Dozor

At around 9:30 a.m. on April 2, 2025, police cordoned off two Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) churches in Cherkasy – those dedicated to the Apostle Andrew the First-Called and the Nativity of Christ. National Guard officers also arrived at the sites, stating they were there to “ensure public order”. According to the Dozor Telegram channel, by around 7:00 p.m., law enforcement had left the church premises.

The day before, Metropolitan Theodosiy, head of the Cherkasy Eparchy, warned of a possible raid on these two churches by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) and called on clergy and parishioners to unite and "defend the holy places from the barbarians."

He emphasized that both churches, along with the land on which they stand, are the legal property of the Cherkasy Diocesan Administration of the UOC and are supported by all necessary legal documentation.

Upon hearing of the planned seizure attempts by the OCU, parishioners from both religious communities spent the entire day praying inside their churches.

Meanwhile, security forces remained stationed around the perimeters of the churches for most of the day.

"After the police buses left the church grounds, only patrol officers remained near the holy sites. The Orthodox Christians who came out to defend their churches from OCU raiders are staying in place. UOC believers will continue praying in the churches through the night," Dozor reported.

As the UOJ previously noted, on April 1, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv reported that, according to information from multiple sources, OCU supporters with backing from security forces may soon attempt to seize two churches in Cherkasy by force.

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