Cherkasy court begins substantive review of the case against Met. Theodosy

In Cherkasy, the ruling bishop of the UOC, Metropolitan Theodosios, is being tried. Photo: Facebook page of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC

On August 21, 2023, the first hearing took place in the Sosnivka District Court of Cherkasy, dedicated to the substantive examination of the case against Metropolitan Theodosy of Cherkasy and Kaniv. This information was reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC.

The Security Service of Ukraine accuses the bishop of committing crimes under Article 161 and Article 436-2 of the Criminal Code (violating citizens' equal rights based on their religious beliefs and justifying, acknowledging as legitimate, denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, glorifying its participants).

According to the procedure, at the beginning of the court session, Metropolitan Theodosy delivered an opening speech on the charges brought against him.

As the UOJ reported, earlier Metropolitan Theodosy said that the charges against him are unfounded and far-fetched, and he hopes that the court will recognize this.

Read also

ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill

Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown

Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.

Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions

A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.

Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law

Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.

Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment

The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.

Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful

Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.