Metr. Theodosiy Says Patr. Bartholomew Could Stop Church Seizures

CHERKASY, UKRAINE — Metr. Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv said Patr. Bartholomew of Constantinople has the ability to intervene in Ukraine’s religious conflict and halt forcible seizures of churches but has chosen not to act. Speaking to the Greek news agency Romfea, the Metropolitan said Constantinople could use its influence over hierarchs associated with the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) to stop violence against Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) clergy and faithful.

“Even now, Patriarch Bartholomew could intervene and influence his clerics in Ukraine, who in most cases are the instigators of these crimes,” Metr. Theodosiy said. “All it would take is a public blessing to end the aggression, prohibit the seizure of churches, and stop the beating of believers. . . . But unfortunately, that is not happening.”

The Metropolitan also questioned whether Patr. Bartholomew had anticipated the consequences of establishing a parallel church structure in Ukraine. “Could the Patriarch have foreseen and understood the tragic consequences of his actions – what would eventually happen to UOC churches and believers, and ultimately to world Orthodoxy itself? I think he had an idea. For those familiar with the situation, the outcome was already obvious even then.”

Metr. Theodosiy pointed to the seizure of the Cherkasy Cathedral as a particularly painful example. “When I myself was beaten by representatives of the ‘Most Holy Church of Ukraine,’ at the very last moment, before I was driven out of my own cathedral together with the clergy and faithful, I appealed directly to Patriarch Bartholomew from the altar of our Cherkasy cathedral while it was under siege by armed thugs. The appeal was translated into several languages and is available online, yet it received no response or reaction from the Patriarch. It is deeply regrettable,” the bishop said.

Metr. Theodosiy also described what he characterized as discriminatory treatment of UOC clergy in Ukraine, alleging that bishops and priests were being arrested and sent to the front lines while clergy of the OCU and other confessions could obtain military-service deferments. He said UOC clergy were being placed in a position where they could either face military service or violate their consciences by joining another confession. The Metropolitan further pointed to legal proceedings seeking to strip the UOC of its legal status, including cases concerning the Kyiv Metropolis and preparations to liquidate monastic communities at the Pochaev Lavra and Kremenets Monastery.

“These are not just legal disputes; they are about the fate of ancient spiritual centers that have shaped the spiritual life of our people for centuries.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Theodosiy was hospitalized following a worsening condition.