Tore down banners and assaulted people: Footage of OCU member shared online
"Faithful" of the OCU during the forceful seizure of Cherkasy cathedral. Photo: t.me/kozakTv1
"Yet another face of the hired thugs of the OCU, whom representatives of this structure themselves call their 'faithful,'" wrote the KozakTv1 Telegram channel, sharing photos and videos of a participant in the forcible seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkasy.
According to journalists, the attack captured on video occurred towards the end of the assault on the holy site by OCU activists.
UOC parishioners with banners and prayers are seen leaving the grounds of their church, which had already been occupied by the attackers. The OCU supporters then began snatching banners from the Christians, trampling on them, and using them to strike believers.
"This individual, wearing special gloves and apparently in an altered state of consciousness, tramples on the images on the banners and assaults the faithful. Later, he theatrically poses with a candle for the Cherkasy chaplains of the OCU. He is easily recognizable by a rune tattoo on his face," the message states.
As previously reported by the UOJ, a UOC monk who was brutally beaten in Cherkasy was discharged from the hospital.
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.