In a shocking and violent attack on the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkassy, as many as 100 armed men attempted to seize the church during a liturgy. The attackers, wearing military uniforms, vandalized the cathedral, threatened parishioners, and even injured a priest in the chaos.
Metropolitan Theodosius of the UOC and parishioners arrived to confront the invaders, resulting in fierce scuffles. Despite the attackers stealing valuable items from the church, including the treasury and icons, the determined believers, led by Metropolitan Theodosius, successfully defended the cathedral after a second assault.
The Ukrainian police remained passive, allowing the attackers, supporters of the schismatic Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), to continue their assault. The OCU, created in 2018 by former President Petro Poroshenko, is considered schismatic by the Russian Orthodox Church.
This brazen attack on a sacred place of worship highlights the ongoing tensions between the different factions of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, with the UOC facing increasing persecution from the Ukrainian government. The courageous efforts of Metropolitan Theodosius and the parishioners to protect their cathedral against violent aggression exemplify their unwavering faith and determination.
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