Cherkasy Metropolitan Denounces Politically Motivated Charges

Metropolitan Theodosiy. Photo: Cherkasy Eparchy/Telegram screenshot

CHERKASY, UKRAINE — Metr. Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv delivered his closing statement in court today regarding the criminal case against him, emphasizing that the charges carry a “political component,” the Cherkasy Eparchy press service reported. The hierarch argued that the proceedings concern freedom of conscience, speech, and religious affiliation for Ukrainian citizens.

The Metropolitan contended that the charges under Article 161 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code lack both criminal elements and sufficient evidence. He stated the case is politically motivated and targeted not at him personally but at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), particularly in connection with his defense of clergy and laypeople affected during church and monastery seizures. “If I have to go to prison for the truth and for defending believers, I will consider it an honor,” he said.

Metr. Theodosiy also highlighted a May 2025 communication from seven UN Special Rapporteurs citing Cherkasy as a problematic region for religious rights, noting that any conviction could become a matter for the European Court of Human Rights.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Ukrainian court extended a preventive measure for Metr. Theodosiy while rejecting Ukrainophobic claims.

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