Metr. Theodosius Reflects on Meaning of Church Persecution
Metr. Theodosius told believers that persecution of the Church, while evil, is also a powerful path to spiritual purification and humility.
CHERKASY, UKRAINE — On February 7, 2026, Metr. Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv delivered a sermon on the spiritual meaning of persecution against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) during a divine service at Krasnogorsk Monastery. His address came one day after a court convicted him under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
The hierarch urged the faithful to view current events from two perspectives: as manifest evil and as a source of profound spiritual benefit. He argued that persecution purifies the Church, halting the influx of those who approached priesthood for material or superficial reasons, and revealing the true spiritual condition of both clergy and laity. According to the Metropolitan, such trials accomplish what years of fasting and prayer often do not.
Citing examples from Cherkasy and western Ukraine, Metr. Theodosius highlighted the endurance of believers who continue worship despite hardship. He concluded by calling for humility, love for persecutors, and gratitude for a time he believes will one day be remembered as spiritually fruitful.
Previously, the UOJ reported that conflict broke out after OCU supporters forcibly entered a UOC church in Kuzmin.
