Cherkasy mayor responds to his excommunication from Church
Anatoliy Bondarenko meeting Metropolitan Theodosiy after the latter was elevated to the rank of metropolitan. 21.08.21. Photo: cherkasy.church.ua
The mayor of Cherkasy, Anatoliy Bondarenko, commented on his excommunication from the Church by Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv in remarks to journalists from the local publication provce.
In his video address, the Metropolitan detailed the forceful seizure of the UOC cathedral and Bondarenko's role in this lawlessness. He also noted that the mayor had de facto excommunicated himself through his actions.
In his comments, Bondarenko denied calling for a "bloodbath" as the hierarch described his livestream before the second forceful assault on the Orthodox shrine. Additionally, the mayor expressed his belief that Metropolitan Theodosiy cannot excommunicate him.
"I would like to remind Metropolitan Theodosiy that he cannot excommunicate anyone. If someone is excommunicated from a Church where Patriarch Kirill blesses the killing of Ukrainians, then thank God. I haven’t attended that Church since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. This man is in despair," he asserted.
The mayor shared his feelings after the violence at the cathedral: "When I first entered the church after all of this, I felt very light and knew that I had done the right things."
Bondarenko also stated that he was elected mayor not due to prayers, and the continuation of his career does not depend on that.
As reported by the UOJ, the mayor of Cherkasy was elected head of the parish council of the seized UOC cathedral.
Read also
Petition Warns Canada’s Hate Speech Law Could Criminalize Scripture
Thousands of Canadians have signed a petition urging the Liberal government to drop proposed hate-speech changes that critics warn could criminalize quoting the Bible and other religious texts.
JD Vance: Criticizing Israel Is Not Antisemitism
Vice President JD Vance said opposing Israeli policies is not the same as antisemitism, sparking debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hatred of Jews begins.
First Orthodox Prayer Book Published in Indonesian Language
The first Orthodox prayer book in Indonesian has been published and presented in Bekasi, providing local faithful and new converts with a vital resource for prayer and liturgical life.
OCA Joins Legal Challenge to Illinois Abortion Referral Law
Amicus brief argues mandate violates religious freedom and compels pro-life providers to contradict their faith.
EXCLUSIVE: Leaked Ukrainian Memo Says Religious Freedom is ‘Achilles Heel’
In an emergency strategy meeting held in response to the Society of St. John's Day of Action, D.C.-based Ukrainian lobbyists acknowledged the weight of the religious freedom issue as it pertains to the Ukrainian government’s public perception.
Historic $2.9 Million Bequest Strengthens Greek Orthodox Foundation
The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago Foundation has received a record $2.9 million bequest from the late Andy Efthim, a devoted layman whose faith-filled generosity will support the Church’s mission for generations.