Zoria: Clashes at Cherkasy cathedral an attempt to create "a visual" for RF
Yevstratiy Zoria. Screenshot from YouTube.com
The spokesperson for the OCU, "metropolitan" Yevstratiy Zoria, stated that the clashes near the Holy Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy were provoked to create media content that could be used by Russian propaganda, reports Ukrinform.
He blamed Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv for the storming of the cathedral and the beating of UOC believers, citing the bishop's allegedly pro-Russian views.
According to Zoria, the events in Cherkasy were a deliberate provocation aimed at creating material for Russian propaganda. The OCU spokesperson also claimed that Metropolitan Theodosiy had repeatedly spoken at UN meetings about the persecution of UOC believers, but in his opinion, these events were organized by Russia.
The OCU "Metropolitan" emphasized that the head of the UOC's Cherkasy Eparchy was aware in advance that Dumenko’s structure intended to claim its right to the temple and had prepared the provocation to discredit Ukraine. He also mentioned the criminal cases against Metropolitan Theodosiy, which Zoria believes proves the bishop’s pro-Russian stance.
As reported by the UOJ, raiders in Cherkasy opened fire on UOC believers.
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.