UOC’s Metr. Theodosy Speaks on His Conviction

Photo: UOJ-Ukraine

CHERKASY, UKRAINE — Metr. Theodosy of Cherkasy of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has disclosed details of a recent conviction handed down by a Cherkasy court. In comments to UOJ-Ukraine, the hierarch said the court imposed the maximum penalty under Article 161 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code, which addresses incitement of religious hatred.

According to Metr. Theodosy, the sentence includes severe fines and compensation for expert examinations conducted during the investigation. He stated that the financial penalty is secondary to the legal consequence of having a criminal conviction, which he noted may be treated as an aggravating circumstance in future proceedings.

The conviction relates to a sermon delivered in February 2024 concerning the seizure of the Nativity of the Theotokos Women’s Monastery in Cherkasy. It is the first guilty verdict among four criminal cases opened against him. The Metropolitan said the defense intends to appeal through all available Ukrainian courts and, if necessary, to the European Court of Human Rights.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a court ordered the UOC to vacate the Chernivtsi Cathedral complex.

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