One year after seizure, Cherkasy cathedral stands empty – media

Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy. Photo: First Cossack

One year after its takeover, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church’s cathedral in Cherkasy remains virtually empty, the First Cossack Telegram channel reported. On October 17, 2024, about 100 men in camouflage and balaclavas seized the Archangel Michael Cathedral. Despite attempts by the faithful and Metropolitan Theodosiy to defend the shrine, the attackers used tear gas and physical force to take control of the building.

Several parishioners and clergy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church were injured. Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv suffered a concussion and burns to his eyes and skin. During the assault, the perpetrators stole around 60,000 dollars collected by parishioners for the installation of a bell and restoration of the church. The cathedral treasury, documents, computers, and icons were also taken, along with Metropolitan Theodosiy’s staff and other liturgical items.

First Cossack emphasizes that a year later, the captured church remains deserted. The Michael Cathedral, one of the largest in Ukraine, can accommodate about 12,000 people. However, photos from the site show that services are held with almost no parishioners present. The OCU representative in Cherkasy, Ivan Yaremenko, has been unable to attract even those who took part in last year’s assault.

These events were preceded by public statements from Cherkasy mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko, who openly declared his intention to transfer the Archangel Michael Cathedral to the OCU. On the day of the seizure, he publicly called on “activists” to gather outside the church.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy had appealed to the Patriarch of Constantinople, denouncing the violence during the seizure of the cathedral.

Read also