Police open criminal case following beating of UOC believers in Cherkasy

Metropolitan Feodosiy visiting a victim of an attack by OCU raiders on a monastery of the UOC in Cherkasy. Photo: cherkasy.church.ua

Metropolitan Feodosiy visiting a victim of an attack by OCU raiders on a monastery of the UOC in Cherkasy. Photo: cherkasy.church.ua

On 22 November 2023, law enforcers opened a criminal case against raiders of the OCU in military uniform who beat up clerics and parishioners of the UOC in the monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Cherkasy, reports the head of the Legal Department of the Cherkasy Eparchy, Archpriest Georgy Pohranichny.

Information about the offence committed by the activists was entered into the Unified Register of Pre-Trial Investigations under Articles 125 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (Intentional minor bodily harm – Ed.) and 122 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional moderate bodily harm – Ed.).

At the same time, the priest noted that he does not agree with such a decision of law enforcers and will insist on the reclassification of the criminal case to Article 121 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (intentional grievous bodily harm).

"The victim Oleh Slobodianyk has a broken leg with displacement, partial loss of vision and problems with the left side of his head. These are definitely not light or even medium bodily harm," he said.

Four people were seriously injured during the raid on the monastery by people in military uniforms. Medics recorded various fractures, concussions and cut wounds in the victims.

As reported, representatives of the OCU seized the monastery of the UOC in Cherkasy.

Read also

Antiochian Orthodox Ecclesiastical Online Music School Announces Fall 2025 Semester Enrollment

Enrollment opens on August 18, 2025, and closes on September 5, 2025. Class sizes are limited, and applications will be processed in the order received, based on timestamped submissions.

Mount Athos Hit With 4.0 Earthquake

Professor Efthymios Lekkas, president of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization, says that this “strange phenomenon” has been going on for over a year now.

Greek-American Lawmakers Push Bill for U.S. Military Presence on Aegean Islands

Proposal challenges Turkish demands, comes amid talks to expand U.S. - Greece defense cooperation.

Wildfire Engulfs St. Nicholas Monastery in Patras

Firefighters, nuns, and volunteers battle massive blaze in Achaia region.

Catsimatidis Blasts Mamdani’s NYC Mayoral Bid, Warns of Castro-esque ‘Con Game’

Greek-American billionaire likens democratic socialist’s promises to Castro-era Cuba, questions viability of campaign.

Massive Wildfire in Greece Reaches Shrine of St. Markella

Blaze threatens monastery and nearby facilities as firefighting efforts continue.