Met Theodosiy's lawyers petition courts to allow travel to UN session

Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Facebook page of the Cherkasy Eparchy

On September 29, 2025, the lawyers of Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv filed motions in the Sosnivsky and Prydniprovskiy courts of Cherkasy requesting the cancellation of all preventive measures in connection with the need for the hierarch to travel to Geneva for a UN session.

On September 25, Metropolitan Theodosiy received an official invitation to appear at UN headquarters to provide personal testimony to UN Special Rapporteurs on violations of the rights of UOC believers. The hierarch will also be able to present information to the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, established by the UN Human Rights Council on March 4, 2022.

The testimony of Metropolitan Theodosiy is expected to help UN mandate holders assess whether the actions of the Ukrainian authorities bear signs of repression and crimes against religious groups, including the discriminatory denial of the right of UOC clergy to deferment from mobilization.

An official UN entry pass, issued in the name of Metropolitan Theodosiy, was attached to the petition. The visit is scheduled for October 2025, during the 60th regular session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, where the communication submitted by the Special Rapporteurs concerning the UOC will be considered.

In the event that the courts refuse to ensure the hierarch’s free departure, the arguments of the UN mandate holders will be included in the criminal case files and may serve as evidence of a repressive court ruling.

The communications of UN Special Rapporteurs are regarded as expert opinions by the European Court of Human Rights and can be used as grounds for complaints to the ECHR.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UN accused Ukraine of persecuting UOC clergy, communities, and journalists. The name of Metropolitan Theodosiy was mentioned in the Special Rapporteurs’ document.

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