Met. Theodosiy Remains Under Court Restriction for Two More Months
Court hearing on the case of Met. Theodosiy on December 26, 2025. Photo: suspilne.media
CHERKASY, UKRAINE — On December 26, 2025, the Sosnivskyi District Court in Cherkasy extended the preventive measure against Met. Theodosiy (Snihiriov) of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in four ongoing criminal cases for an additional two months. The extension, reported by Suspilne, maintains the hierarch under a personal obligation.
Prosecutor Kateryna Kostenko argued for the extension, citing a “risk of evading the court” and claiming that Metropolitan Theodosiy could unlawfully influence victims and witnesses, obstruct proceedings, or commit further crimes. She also stated that the UOC hierarch allegedly holds Ukrainophobic views and harbors a negative attitude toward Ukrainian authorities and society.
Defense attorney Volodymyr Yudin rejected these claims as formalistic and contrived, noting that similar arguments had been previously addressed without affecting the preventive measure. Metropolitan Theodosiy himself supported his defense, calling the accusations groundless and a mockery directed at him and the Church.
The next hearing in the case is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Met. Theodosiy's condition worsened in November after suspected poisoning.
Read also
Church of Cyprus Elects New Metropolitan of Paphos
The Church of Cyprus has elected Archimandrite Gregory Ioannides as the new Metropolitan of Paphos, ending a year-long vacancy in one of the island’s most historic sees.
Abp. Alexei Joins Atka Faithful for St. Nicholas Feast Celebration
Atka’s Orthodox faithful celebrated St. Nicholas with worship, remembrance, and gratitude for a spiritual heritage that has endured across generations.
Metr. Tychikos Issues Official Statement Rejecting Removal as Unjust
The former Metr. of Paphos described his removal as deeply unjust, saying he was not properly heard and now seeks vindication through legal and ecclesiastical appeals.
California Moves to Place Girl for Adoption After Gender Transition Custody Dispute
The case highlights a contested custody battle in California centered on gender-transition refusal and denial of state intervention in parental rights.
Metr. Hilarion Released Without Charges as Czech Investigation Continues
Meter. Hilarion and his driver have been released without charges, but Czech authorities continue investigating how prohibited substances allegedly ended up in their vehicle.
Patr. Theophilos III Leads Celebration of Jordan’s 80th Independence Anniversary
Jordan's Orthodox community marked the kingdom's 80th independence anniversary with a patriarchal service and a major national operetta celebrating faith, history, and national identity.