Court repeatedly fines prosecution expert in Metropolitan Theodosiy case

Metropolitan Theodosiy in court. Photo: press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy
On May 5, 2026, another court hearing was held in Cherkasy in the case of Metropolitan Theodosiy, whom the authorities accuse of “inciting religious hatred” and “justifying aggression.” According to the Sosnivka District Court of Cherkasy, the hearing was again effectively disrupted because prosecution expert Anna Stromylo, who was due to testify, failed to appear.
The judge regarded the specialist’s repeated absences as contempt for the proceedings and once again imposed the maximum monetary penalty provided by law – UAH 6,656.
Recall that on March 19, 2026, the court had already fined Anna Stromylo for failing to appear. The entire case against Metropolitan Theodosiy over his pre-war interviews in defense of the rights of the UOC is based on her conclusions, which the defense says do not withstand criticism. In total, Stromylo is now required to pay UAH 14,976 for failing to appear in court without valid reasons.
Due to the absence of the key witness and the need to give the defense time to disclose its evidence to the prosecution, the hearing was postponed.
The next hearing has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on May 21, 2026. On that day, the court still plans to question Anna Stromylo and begin examining the defense materials.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the court again extended the preventive measure imposed on Metropolitan Theodosiy.
Read also
Khust Eparchy honors memory of St. Job of Uholka
A Liturgy is served in Mala Uholka, a birthplace of St. Job of Uholka, on the saint's feast day.
UOC parish in Cologne donates ultrasound machine to Kharkiv region hospital
In Cologne, UOC believers raised funds for an ultrasound machine for the Kehychivka district hospital in the Kharkiv region.
Shevchuk tells Pope Leo of Ukraine's preparations for "another harsh winter"
The head of the UGCC expressed "special gratitude" to the Pope for his phone calls with Putin and Zelensky.
Berlin hierarch comments on Phanar document published by UOJ-USA
Metropolitan Mark called the information about the 2018 "Unification Council" alarming if confirmed, and expressed hope that Patriarch Bartholomew will reconsider his position.
UOC marks Synaxis of All Saints of Volyn Land at Lutsk cathedral
Metropolitan Serhiy of Ternopil and Kremenets led the Liturgy on the feast day of the Lutsk cathedral of All Saints of the Volyn Land.
SBU detains OCU cleric who organized draft evader's escape for money
In Transcarpathia, law enforcement officers detained a clergyman of the OCU who arranged for a draft evader to be smuggled into Slovakia for $15,000.