Just a few short years ago, 70% of Ukrainians belonged to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The UOC is the descendant of the Metropolis of Kiev and all Rus’ that was established in the 10th century. Its pedigree is ancient and impeccable. The UOC, following the collapse of communism, took possession of priceless monasteries and Churches. At the largest monastery, the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, there were over a hundred monks and a renowned Theological seminary. While being officially linked to Moscow, the UOC was self-governing. The head of the UOC, Metropolitan Onuphry, was popular both at home and abroad. His writings were read around the world, with many marveling at his personal holiness, his pastoral insights, and the love he had for his Ukrainian people.
Because Patriarch Bartholomew is Greek, criticism of his actions in Ukraine has been credited by some to “anti-Greek” bias. Multiple Greek hierarchs around the world love and support Metropolitan Onuphry and the UOC, including Metropolitan Neophytos and His Holiness Theophilos the Patriarch of Jerusalem.
A few short years later, even though she is still the largest religious body in Ukraine, the UOC is fighting for her very life. The UOC went from being essentially the “national Church of Ukraine”, to being in danger of a complete ban on her activities. Her clergy and faithful are abused and arrested. Her parishes are seized violently. All the while, Western governments, without whose funding Ukraine would collapse, excuse, downplay, and hide the persecution.
How bad are things? His Eminence Metropolitan Luke of Zaporozhye recently appealed to the U.S. Secretary of State concerning the state-sponsored persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church:
we recently received а letter demanding to vacate two rented premises where Orthodox churches have been located for many years.
But this is not only a problem of the Zaporizhzhia region. Currently our entire Ukrainian Orthodox Church is standing upon the threshold of terrible trials. We talk now about an attempt of its liquidation and forced merger into the organization called “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” (established in 2019).
For that purpose, the Church now is under unprecedented pressure at all levels. 250 churches of the UOC were seized with the direct support of the local authorities in 2022 alone. This year the raiding activity continued. Churches are being seized daily in Khmelnitsky, Chernivtsi, Kyiv and other regions of Ukraine. Our believers are maimed, beaten, poisoned by tear gas, subjected to all sorts of bullying and attacks. Supporters of the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” began using physical violence against our bishops. In fact, entire Dioceses of our Church are being destroyed.
Moreover, several bills have already been registered in the Parliament, which involve a ban or significant restriction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church rights. At the same time, throughout the country, regional and city councils make decisions to proscribe the functioning of the UOC in the regions. The initiators of these unconstitutional decisions are the deputies from the European Solidarity Party (headed by Petro Poroshenko).
The situation is aggravated by the wrongful verdict of the Constitutional Court, which recognized the legitimacy of the anti-church law developed during the presidency of Petro Poroshenko. The goal was to deprive the UOC of its official name and transfer its property to the newly created “Orthodox Church of Ukraine”.
Officials are going to take away from our Church the main Orthodox shrines of Ukraine – the Pochaev and Kiev-Pechersk Lavras (in the last one some churches have already been illegally transferred to the “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” in use).
The managerial link of the UOC has also been struck. In particular, some of our bishops were placed under house arrest, some of them subjected to sanctions, and the others were deprived of citizenship. This is the rationale for their deportation from Ukraine.
In light of these events, we are frankly discouraged by the silence of the American authorities. After all, the Democratic Party’s platform, as well as the current U.S. Government position is the protection of the rights and freedoms in all manifestations. Especially when it comes to a fundamental right – the right to freedom of conscience.
Tetyana, a Ukrainian Orthodox Christian, describes the current persecution in personal terms:
I don’t know how to describe what is currently happening in Ukraine in relation to the UOC. I have a feeling that the times of the Persecution of the first Christians during the reign of the Roman Emperor Nero… or, as it were, the times of the godless Bolsheviks have returned. Priests of the UOC are impiously beaten, mocked…activists of the OCU schisms enter their churches with a knife to cut their throats or to pour red liquid on them, shouting that the blood of Ukrainians is on them. Icons and crosses are torn down….. and thrown away. The churches that the UOC believers are trying to rebuild are destroyed… Activists of the OCU schisms set fire to the Bible (because it is not in the Ukrainian language). Zelenskyi and his entourage, the SBU, the police – contribute to these religious crimes. It seems that the time of the Apocalypse is coming in Ukraine…. This is complete terrible lawlessness…. And in Ukraine recently a monument to…….. TOMOS(!!!!!!!) was erected – as a “symbol of spiritual independence”….. TOMOS, which destroyed the lives of Orthodox parishioners and clergymen of the UOC… .. I have no words…. People in Ukraine have become demons in relation to the Orthodox Christians of the UOC….
If it was possible to describe all the anti-Christian horrors that are happening now in relation to the UOC in Ukraine, it would probably be a big book – a book about lawlessness, a book about the persecution and abuse of Orthodox Christians of the UOC .
A monument erected to the “Tomos” granted by Patriarch Bartholomew, without whom this persecution would not be happening.
We highly recommend that you read this comment from Tetyana which explains a video showing just how awful the situation is with anti-Christian protestors, supported by police, harassing and disrupting Christian worship at Orthodox holy sites.
How could the situation in Ukraine have gotten so bad, that radicals openly accuse other Ukrainians of being “Russians”, simply because they continue to belong to the canonical Church?
Patriarch Bartholomew enabled this Christian persecution. His recognition of OCU created the basis for a torrent of relentless propaganda that has applied a veneer of legitimacy to the violence directed at the canonical Church. Without him, the supposed “spiritual leader” of the Orthodox world, the Western nations and the Ukrainian government could never get away with this. He provides the “ecclesiastical curtain” behind which they hide their demonic actions.
Tetyana explained the totalitarian level of propaganda inside Ukraine:
A powerful “Goebbels-propaganda” structure operates in Ukraine, which pours dirt and slander on the UOC through well-paid journalists of Ukrainian pro-government TV channels (such as TSN (1+1), Channel 24, Fakti ICTV, Radio Svoboda , Groshi as well as Petro Poroshenko’s 5th and 1st channels (who, together with Patriarch Bartholomew, Filaret (M. Denisenko), Sergiy Dumenko (Epiphanii), created the schismatic organization of the OCU in December 2018 for political pre-election purposes)
Ukrainian President Zelensky has banned opposition media and political parties. His government has complete control of the “narrative” inside Ukraine. That “narrative” continuously portrays the UOC, comprised of Ukrainian citizens, as Russian traitors. This is despite the fact that the UOC has backed the war effort, condemned Russia, cut all ties with Moscow, and is led by a native-born Ukrainian primate. The Western media, controlled by a few holding companies who themselves are owned by a few massive investment firms, echo these same charges of treason, while also completely denying the identity of the UOC as anything but a “Russian Church”.
While practically all media outlets in the West disseminate US government propaganda, NPR is a direct conduit used by the US National Security State to “shape the narrative” on Ukraine. When consuming NPR content, you are getting the unvarnished view of the US government. At the end of September, NPR ran a piece called Anger grows over Ukraine’s largest Orthodox church, aligned with Moscow despite war. In the article, we can see how NPR presents the UOC as a foreign entity within Ukraine, a dangerous, subversive “Moscow-aligned Church”, while simultaneously creating sympathy for the Zelensky regime dealing with such a “threat”:
“We are at war with Russia,” said Alex Melnick, who carried Ukraine’s blue and yellow national flag. “We are protesting against the Moscow church, against the Moscow priests.”
There’s a growing debate in Ukraine over just how much their society should tolerate Orthodox believers loyal to the Moscow church in a time of bitter war.
“Our armed forces are repelling the Russian aggressor, but war will return as long as this collaborating Moscow church is here,” said Mykhailo Omelian, a priest and spokesman for a separate branch of the Orthodox church governed entirely within Ukraine.
Though the article is clearly slanted towards the narrative of the UOC as a foreign Church, some truth got mixed in anyway. The NPR piece decisively refutes a talking point recently popular among those who are anti-UOC. Namely, that OCU has surpassed the UOC in terms of size and the loyalty of the Ukrainian people. In the title and in several paragraphs within the article, NPR admitted that the UOC is still the largest and most popular religious organization in Ukraine:
“Our monks lived here from ancient times,” said Metropolitan Clement, bristling with anger. “Access is closed now to clergymen and to many believers who could come to to pray here even in Soviet times.”
Clement is spokesman for the largest Orthodox community in Ukraine, which has been governed by the Moscow patriarch since the 1600s.
Researchers say before the war began there were roughly 12,000 Orthodox parishes in Ukraine linked to Russia. Over the last 19 months, only about 1,500 of those congregations have voted to join a break-away Ukrainian-led church.
“They are really believers, very strong in their faith,” said Karen Nikiforov, a Ukrainian who studies religion in Kyiv, explaining why more churches don’t leave the Moscow patriarchate.
The Patriarchate of Constantinople and its associated entities (Patriarchate of Alexandria, the various Greek Archdioceses around the world) all endlessly repeat the same lies as the US National Security State – the uncanonical, radical “Orthodox Church of Ukraine” is the real Orthodox Church. Meanwhile, the UOC is not really a Ukrainian Church, but rather a Russian subversive, pseudo Church that has no right to be in the country. Why? Because Patriarch Bartholomew said so with his “Tomos”, and he has the power to do so because he is “first without equals”. These are all damnable lies that allow Western politicians to pose as defenders of religious liberty, even as they trample it. Mike Pompeo, as Secretary of State under Trump, was intimately involved in creating the OCU, and bears massive responsibility for the persecution of the canonical Church. However, thanks to Patriarch Bartholomew, Pompeo can fly around the US posing as the leader of a movement to revive Christian morals in America. He is a total fraud, whose polices have trampled the Body of Christ, but no one is calling him out about that. Former US Vice President Mike Pence also falsely poses as a Christian moral leader, with only Tucker Carlson having had the guts to challenge him on Ukrainian Christian persecution. Of course, what was Pence’s defense against his complicity in Ukrainian Orthodox persecution? It was that he had called Kiev and spoken to the OCU, who told him everything is great! After all, OCU is the “official” Church in Pence’s estimation. Patriarch Bartholomew said so.
Evidently, American values include supporting the persecution of Orthodox Christians
The persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church begins and ends with Patriarch Bartholomew. He provides the “cover” under which it is happening. He provides the “flack” that allows the West to downplay it, ignore it, and cover it up. His exalted “office” gives Global officialdom permission to ignore the many Orthodox hierarchs of “lesser” rank, such as the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and Antioch, who openly support the UOC. He provides the press interviews that calmly reassure the world that there is no persecution of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, only restrictions on an illegitimate, subversive Russian organization with no business even being in the country.
Until recently, Orthodox Christians around the world have held out hope that a Church Council could be called to settle the issue in Ukraine. Many Orthodox hierarchs have called for one. The vast majority of Orthodox Christians around the world continue to support Metropolitan Onuphry and the UOC, so the outcome of such a council would be obvious from the beginning. Which is why Patriarch Bartholomew has definitively dashed any hope of holding one. His All-Holiness considers the matter closed. He is “first without equals” and has exercised his God-given right to grant autocephaly to the Ukrainian schismatics. No one is allowed to challenge his actions.
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew left no room for questioning the decisions of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, especially regarding the granting of the Tomos of Autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine. https://t.co/R5yY5Zh9S7 pic.twitter.com/xvPPn2syNg
— Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (@OrderStAndrew) September 2, 2023
By taking this step, Patriarch Bartholomew has erased any possibility of compromise. The Zelensky regime is free to continue its relentless persecution of the UOC, and Constantinople will continue to provide the cover for it. For Zelensky, the UOC provides a welcome “internal enemy” to keep his radical supporters focused on. Such distraction is especially needed as the failure of the Ukrainian “counter offensive” has become so apparent to everyone, despite the steady stream of propaganda to the contrary. What you are witnessing is the proverbial Orwellian “two-minutes hate” being played out in real life. And an Orthodox Christian Patriarch has made it all possible.
To make OCU a reality, and the UOC an outlawed “Russian” organization, the Patriarch of Constantinople had to conspire with the US National Security State in a way that could fundamentally change how global Orthodoxy is organized and operates. There is clearly a great deal of support among very powerful actors to centralize power over the Orthodox Church under Constantinople. If these people can bring down the ancient and venerable UOC in a majority Orthodox nation, imagine what can happen to Orthodox in the West, if all those not under Constantinople are labeled “Russian agents”?
The recent fall of Rep. McCarthy from power in the US house of representatives illustrates the growing level of “Ukraine fatigue” in the West. Voters are striking back where they can, electing governments that pledge to end support for the Zelensky government. Even in the US, whose true government is practically immune to the influence of voters, the winds are beginning to shift. Now is the time for Orthodox Christians everywhere to speak out, because now is the time when the world is increasingly ready to listen.
The faithful Ukrainian Orthodox hierarchs, priests, and people are still fighting to keep their Church. (Click here for a video showing just one protest supporting the UOC in Ukraine.) Everyone in the West who values the freedom to be Orthodox must support them. Please sign and share our petition below with as many people as you can. The petition text is posted right below the form, along with a list of those who already signed. We are continuously sending copies of this petition to leaders, media outlets, influencers, Orthodox hierarchs, and NGOs working in human rights / religions liberty. It is essential that we, in the West, make it clear that this Christian persecution is not being carried out in our name or with our consent. Today is the UOC’s fight, tomorrow it very well could be ours. Regardless of what happens, we must also make sure that the the accountability of the Patriarch of Constantinople for this persecution is never swept under the rug.
–OR Staff
We Condemn the Actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople for Its Role in the Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
We Condemn the Actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople for Its Role in the Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Whereas, the Patriarch of Constantinople intervened in the affairs of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in 2018 as a benefit to the political campaign of President Petro Poroshenko and to further NATO / US goals in Ukraine; and
Whereas, at that time, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church was fully self-governing under the leadership of Metropolitan Onuphry, himself a native-born Ukrainian, and was the preferred Church for some 70% of the Ukrainian population; and
Whereas, the creation of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) by the Patriarch of Constantinople did not heal the previous schism (ongoing for decades), but rather created an even larger and more dangerous schism; and
Whereas, the tomos granted to the formerly schismatic bodies, thus combined into the OCU by the Patriarch, has since served as the basis for violent and unjust persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church; and
Whereas, following the Russian invasion, the UOC has severed all ties with Moscow (May 2022), supported the war effort, and condemned Russian actions; and
Whereas, the OCU has, in alliance with the Ukrainian Government and civilian radicals, led the effort to physically harm Orthodox Christians (clergy and laity), confiscate parishes and other holy sites from the UOC, remove all canonical Orthodox Christians from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, sought to completely outlaw the activities of the UOC, and has otherwise interfered with the religious freedom of millions of Ukrainian citizens; and
Whereas the Patriarchate of Constantinople has repeatedly ignored the persecution of the UOC, and even lied outright about its occurrence, going so far as to assert that seizures of parishes and other holy sites are “voluntary”; and
Whereas, the majority of the Orthodox Christian world has continued to embrace Metropolitan Onuphry and the UOC, including the Patriarchates of Georgia, Antioch and All the East, Jerusalem, Bulgaria, and Serbia. Additional support has come from His Grace Bishop Siluan of Australia, Metropolitan Isaac of Germany and Central Europe of the Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate, Metropolitan Nicholas and the ROCOR Synod, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, Metropolitan Tikhon of America and the OCA Synod, Metropolitan Neophytos of Morphou (Cyprus), who bravely defies his synod to continue embracing the UOC, and many more too numerous to mention; and
Whereas, the support of global Orthodoxy for the UOC is largely ignored in the Western media as the Patriarchate of Constantinople intentionally cultivates the lie that Patriarch Bartholomew, as the “spiritual leader” of Orthodoxy, has the inherent power to unilaterally intervene in Ukraine, and thereby justify the persecution resulting from that intervention; and
Whereas, the representative of the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the United States, Archbishop Elpidophoros, has assisted in justifying and covering up the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, even to the point of chastising fellow bishops in America that continue to support the canonical church; and
Whereas, the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople have had grave impact on the unity of world Orthodoxy.
Now, therefore, we the undersigned Orthodox Christians and allies do categorically condemn the actions of Patriarch Bartholomew and the Patriarchate of Constantinople for justifying and enabling Christian persecution in Ukraine, for standing silent in witness to the horror of it, and for actively covering up the facts of it. We call upon candidates for political office in the United States and throughout the West to learn the true facts of the suffering of the UOC, and for them to endorse an end to the persecution. We call upon the Western media to learn and accurately report the facts of the persecution of the UOC. We call upon all canonical Orthodox bishops to publicly support the UOC and an immediate end to this persecution.
United States 
France United States France 
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Canada 
Indonesia 
Ukraine Ukraine 
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Germany United States United States ?? ?? ?? Ukraine United States Ukraine ?? ?? ?? ?? 
Belgium ?? ?? Ukraine United States ?? Canada United States United States United States United States Belgium United States United States ?? United States ?? United States United States Ukraine ?? United States United States Russian Federation United States United States United States United States United States Netherlands ?? United States ?? United States ?? Canada United Kingdom United States United States ?? United States ?? United States United States United Kingdom ?? United States ?? 
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Dear Representatives of the International Community!
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflections!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Thank you very much for your support of the UOC, for the protection of our UOC and all Christianity in the world!
May the Lord bless and reward you for all your good deeds for the Glory of God!
I sincerely pray with all my heart for all of you!
May God help you in everything!
I would really like to ask you for help and to make a donation to help the Union of Orthodox Journalists (our prisoners of conscience).
They are being illegally PERSECUTED by the demonic Ukrainian government and Ukrainian security forces for telling the TRUTH about the brutal persecution against Orthodox Christians and protecting the rights of believers.
Here is a link for a donation with an appeal of the UOJ for help.
https://spzh.eu/en/help-uoj/
__________________________________________________________________________
“Together, we can and should defend the rights and voice of the Church!
Dear Friends,
We are an organization steadfastly committed to protecting the rights of believers, opposing discrimination against Orthodox Christians, and preserving spiritual truth in today’s complex information landscape.
Our key areas of focus:
Your financial support will primarily help us:
Together, we are the voice of those who are being silenced!
With faith and gratitude,
The Union of Orthodox Journalists Team
Learn more about our work here”
__________________________________________________________________________
PS. Ukrainian authorities block UOJ website for the fifth time and UOJ files lawsuit against SBU for illegal website blockage.
https://spzh.eu/en/news/84097-uoj-files-lawsuit-against-sbu-for-illegal-website-blockage
https://spzh.eu/en/news/84087-ukrainian-authorities-block-uoj-website-for-the-fifth-time
Ukrainian authorities block UOJ website for the fifth time
The State Service of Special Communications, at the request of the SBU, has issued an order for internet providers to block the domain spzh.eu.
On January 10, 2025, the State Service of Special Communications issued a directive to electronic communications service providers to block access to the UOJ website in Ukraine.
Providers are required to report the blocking of the spzh.eu resource by notifying the State Service of Special Communications via email. The blocking will remain in effect until the end of martial law or its cancellation. According to the directive, the blocking is being carried out at the request of the SBU.
This marks the fifth time the “Union of Orthodox Journalists” platform has been blocked.
Previously, the UOJ reported that its website had once again been blocked in Ukraine at the request of the SBU.
Please share this important information with anyone you feel is necessary.
Thank you in advance!
God bless you!
With love in Christ!
Your sister in Christ, a believer of the UOC and a Ukrainian friend of the Representatives of Orthodox Reflections
Tetyana Avramenko
(This is my real Ukrainian name and surname)
https://spzh.eu/en/news/84000-14-sriminal-sases-initiated-against-cherkasy-cathedral-seizure-perpetrators
12 January, 2025
14 сriminal сases initiated against Cherkasy cathedral seizure perpetrators
The police are delaying the investigation and attempting to reclassify the cases under lesser charges.Fourteen criminal cases have been initiated against the gang that carried out a violent attack during the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkasy, reported Archpriest Heorhiy Pohranichny, head of the legal department of the Cherkasy Diocese, to First Cossack.
At the same time, according to the legal expert, the police are deliberately delaying the investigation and attempting to reclassify the cases to lesser charges.
“It is unacceptable to classify injuries such as a broken femur of a hieromonk, or the injuries of a deacon who ‘luckily’ lost six teeth, as minor hooliganism. These injuries include fractured ankles and ribs, yet they are currently being classified as minor,” said the priest. He also noted the shooting incident involving OCU activist Davyd Pshenychny, who fired a traumatic weapon at the cathedral cashier Maria Preshchakova, who narrowly avoided losing her eye.
“As for individuals with moderate and severe injuries, such as fractured ankles, broken ribs, and lost teeth, they are undergoing rehabilitation. For the hieromonk, the situation is particularly serious due to his advanced age. A broken femur at such an age is extremely difficult to heal, and he is still undergoing preparatory procedures for a complex surgery,” said Father Heorhiy. Additionally, dozens of people suffered eye burns from tear gas during the incident.
The legal expert emphasized that diocesan lawyers provided police with video evidence of the brawl, clearly showing the involvement of OCU chaplains, including Nazariy Zasadskiy. However, law enforcement officials have neither included them as suspects nor participants in the criminal cases.
Father Heorhiy also noted that the police are trying to reclassify the case under Article 296 of the Criminal Code – minor hooliganism – while diocesan lawyers believe the actions of the perpetrators should be qualified as robbery, if not more serious offenses.
“Despite everything, the police are trying to split these cases into multiple, fragmented parts, rather than consolidating them into a single investigation. They likely hope that the complainants will eventually withdraw their statements, despite already having victim status in the case,” said the legal expert.
Regarding attempts by the authorities and the OCU to legalize the cathedral seizure, Father Heorhiy called the situation absurd.
He stated that the authorities attributed the cathedral to a so-called “Nativity of Christ” community, which they “re-registered.” According to him, this fictitious parish, along with others used by authorities in similar cases, exists only on paper, with no known real activity.
The UOC priest stressed that “the St. Michael’s Cathedral never belonged to a parish; it was under the direct management of the Cherkasy Eparchy. Therefore, re-registering it as such is legally impossible.”
“In order to seize the cathedral, one must first remove its rightful owner. The rightful owner is the administration of the Cherkasy Eparchy. Legally transferring the property to the city’s ownership through a council session or similar means is impossible. It requires proving that the rightful owner no longer exists or has disappeared without responding to public invitations. However, this will not happen because the clergy and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkasy remain present. They are here, visible, and daily demonstrate their faith,” stated Father Heorhiy.
He added that local authorities are now putting on a show of active management around the cathedral, trying to justify the seizure.
“As for the new ‘owners,’ we see them trying to exploit whatever is available. Some items are already being removed, including construction materials, which is being documented. The city council is also pretending to show concern for the park by cutting down trees and installing benches – something it ignored for years. It is clear this is all a demonstration meant to reduce tensions and distract with other factors,” the priest concluded.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the UN is awaiting a response from Ukrainian authorities regarding the seizure of the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrElCmOwqkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRD6b_VgzWU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRERG9Sq_2M
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0PhZNFddCk
15 November 2022
Poroshenko Channel Propagandist Calls on Authorities to Ban UOC in Ukraine
Journalist Yanina Sokolova proposes recognizing the UOC as an accomplice of a terrorist state. Yanina Sokolova, an employee of Poroshenko’s “5 Channel”, appealed to the country’s leadership with a proposal to ban the UOC in Ukraine. According to Sokolova, the reason for her appeal was a video from the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra, in which pilgrims sing the song “Song of the Most Holy Mother of God”, which includes the words “Mother Rus’ is awakening”.
As another justification, Sokolova stated that the UOC allegedly “financially supports the enemy”: “More than once, requests for money for the existence of such churches resulted in the fact that money from these churches was allocated for weapons.” “I still don’t understand why this hasn’t been done yet, what is it: an unwillingness to anger the enemy or to cause some kind of dissonance within society,” said journalist Yanina Sokolova.
She called for the UOC to cease to exist as an “unsafe religious organization that threatens the territorial integrity of the country” and to recognize the Church as an accomplice of a terrorist state. “And I want to tell the Moscow priests only one thing: go to Moscow!” the “5 Channel” employee concluded her speech. Earlier, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that a member of parliament from the “EU” demanded that the monks be forcibly expelled from the Lavra and handed over to the OCU.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxqI6TA6DnY
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWN2iGy1jtE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMrtIWqFCC8
“The Kremlin hand” in the people’s pockets: who are they, UOC persecutors?
Too often those who attack the UOC the most turn out to be corruptionists or people with guilty consciences. Why?
Persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in recent years has become part of the state’s systemic policy. We have often heard that the necessity of banning the UOC is a “matter of national security”. Deputies and politicians at all levels, followed by many Ukrainians, are convinced that it is impossible to be both a patriot of Ukraine and a member of the UOC at the same time. However, as it turns out, those who most loudly proclaim the defense of national interests are often the ones who are not averse to stealing a substantial sum from the people under the cover of these very cries.
Disguising their actions with rhetoric about national security, officials pursue purely mercenary goals – lining their pockets. The accusations against the Church for numerous violations are simply a diversion from their own crimes.
In this article, we will present several examples of how officials, who have been most outspoken against the Church, later found themselves either in the dock, under suspicion, involved in dubious schemes and machinations, or abroad.
Maxym Kozytsky, head of the Lviv Regional Military AdministrationHe became known for his loud statements against the UOC. It was Kozytsky who was behind the almost complete destruction of the UOC in the Lviv region, including the physical demolition of St Volodymyr’s Church in Lviv. At the end of November, he pathetically declared that there were no longer any UOC communities left in the Lviv region. Today, it is known that Kozytsky is suspected of embezzling millions of hryvnias in humanitarian aid, constructing a “family” road worth 25 million hryvnias leading to a resort owned by his father, as well as having indirect ties with the Russian “Gazprom”.
Anatoliy Bondarenko, Mayor of CherkasyCherkasy became notorious for the most shocking and bloody clashes during the “voluntary transfers” to the OCU. First, the seizure of the Nativity of the Virgin Monastery in 2023, and then the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral. The whole world saw footage of UOC believers and clergy being brutally beaten by OCU activists when their legs, arms, and jaws were broken, when they were gassed and shot at with traumatic weapons.
Naturally, all this would have been impossible without the support of the city leadership. However, Bondarenko not only did not hide this but even boasted of his involvement in the seizures. In particular, after the seizure of the cathedral, the OCU elected him as the head of the parish council. And just before the takeover, the mayor personally announced its “transfer” to the OCU.
Why such activity? The fact is that Bondarenko has long been accused of corruption. Back in 2017, the Prosecutor’s Office issued him a notice of suspicion under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (“Abuse of power”) for illegal enrichment worth several million. Publications about this appeared on the all-Ukrainian “Suspilne”. Prior to this, local journalists from “Lakmus” and “1800” relentlessly questioned the mayor about his huge estate on the bank of the Dnieper River, the land for which he had bought at bargain basement prices. The entire city is buzzing about Bondarenko’s schemes. Apparently, through bloody attacks on “Moscow priests”, the mayor decided to prove his patriotism and silence his critics.
Former Mayor of Rivne, Oleksandr TretiakWhile holding office as mayor, Tretiak ran an active campaign against the UOC, strongly supporting the forced “transfers” of communities to the OCU. At the same time, his public service was tainted by corruption scandals. According to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), Tretiak was accused of “violating the requirements for preventing and resolving conflicts of interest”. In particular, he paid additional bonuses and salaries to the office staff of the city council, for which the court removed him from his position for one year.
It is noteworthy that just one year after taking office as mayor of Rivne, Tretiak bought a house at half the market value, partly financed by a consumer loan from Oschadbank for 30 years. The official told journalists he had bought the house for less than 3 million hryvnias, or about 90,000 dollars. However, it later emerged that the same house had been sold just a month earlier for 220,000 dollars.
Fedir Androshchuk, head of the National Museum of Ukraine’s HistoryIt was Androshchuk who oversaw the demolition of the Tithe (Desiatynnyi) Monastery, calling it “rubbish”. He also organised fundraising for the demolition of the shrine. On his Facebook page, Androshchuk wrote: “It will be very symbolic to finish this clean-up by Easter! Therefore, we ask all concerned citizens to support the fundraising. Let’s protect our history and culture together!”
After some time, he left the country. According to MP Solomiya Bobrovska, Androshchuk went on a business trip and disappeared. “Apparently, he took advantage of his other citizenships (why he has them is another question), went on a trip to Italy and Sweden, and according to the response to my parliamentary inquiry, he went missing at the opening of an exhibition in Lithuania,” Bobrovska wrote. No one has explained how a high-ranking official, in violation of Ukrainian law, holds another citizenship.
Meanwhile, Androshchuk stated that he lives and works in Sweden, whose citizen he is and where he pays taxes. In other words, the official who was involved in the demolition of our sacred sites had no intention of living in Ukraine. He has held the passport of another state (in this case, Sweden) for several years.
Oleksandr Supruniuk, Mayor of NetishynSupruniuk became ill-famed for his harsh attacks on the UOC. He publicly referred to the Church as “biological weapons” and actively supported the seizure of temples. Subsequently, it turned out that his activities were aimed solely at personal enrichment. The situation is aggravated by the fact that Supruniuk profited from the war. For example, drones purchased by the executive committee of the Netishyn City Council at Supruniuk’s behest for over 20 million hryvnias contained components much cheaper than those declared, causing a loss to the budget of more than 6 million hryvnias.
Serhiy Hamaliyi, former Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional AdministrationHamaliy is another “patriot-foreigner” on our list. According to media reports, he holds a Polish passport, a fact he concealed when appointed to his position. He also kept his long-standing connections with the criminal world under wraps. In 1997, law enforcement detained him for drug possession and racketeering as part of a criminal group. As head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Hamaliy actively organized the transfer of UOC communities to the OCU. His methods included forging believers’ signatures and using administrative pressure. Over 30 complaints from UOC believers were submitted to the courts, reporting coercion to “transfers”. On 14 March 2023, Hamaliy was dismissed from his position following a scandal involving drunk driving. A few months later, he made his declaration public, revealing that he earned 17 million hryvnias in 2023 and that his wife had purchased a 180-square-metre house in Poland.
Oleksandr Symchyshyn, Mayor of KhmelnytskyiSymchyshyn is well known for his aggressive attacks on the UOC. In the spring of 2023, Khmelnytskyi became a record-breaker for the number of temples transferred to the OCU, carried oud by Symchyshyn’s administration and, of course, with his knowledge. He also found himself at the centre of a corruption scandal.
But even here, the “refined patriot” turned out to be a corrupt official. He implemented a scheme “straight from the repertoire” of Ostap Bender: the city takes out a loan for a waste processing plant, which is paid off from the city budget, and then waste removal companies raise their prices. This created a situation where the city’s residents paid twice, and the potential amount of embezzlement exceeded one billion hryvnias. Meanwhile, the declared loan amount was 28.5 million euros, while the total cost of the project was 36.5 million euros. This discrepancy attracted the attention of representatives from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Mykhailo Holovko, head of the Ternopil Regional Military AdministrationMykhailo Holovko made highly expressive calls to the central government to transfer the Pochaiv Lavra to the local council. Why? To expel the UOC from there and hand it over to the Uniates. He stated that the regional council would initiate an appeal to Kyiv to transfer the Pochaiv Lavra into the ownership of the regional community. “And we will already find a way to expel the Russian Church from there, we will find a way to break the contract,” Holovko promised.
He made this statement on 21 June 2023, and just five days later, on 26 June, Holovko was arrested for extorting nearly 1.8 million hryvnias from a volunteer in exchange for signing completion acts for construction and repair work on municipal facilities.
Conclusions: Corruption and persecution of the Church as related phenomenaWe have presented only seven examples of the most prominent “patriot-corruptionists”. In reality, there are many more. Their tactics are simple yet highly effective – to pit the people against each other to distract them from their shady dealings. There is a cartoon on the web that very accurately captures the essence of this strategy.
Thus, it becomes clear: the persecution of the UOC often serves as a “security smokescreen” for corrupt schemes. Shout about “Moscow priests”, and suddenly you are a refined patriot beyond any suspicion. Ukrainian officials act like skilled manipulators and con artists – with their talk of “agents in cassocks”, they simply distract public attention from their own crimes. By loudly proclaiming from high podiums that the Church should be banned, they create the illusion of fighting for national interests, while simultaneously increasing their personal wealth.
In other words, if you hear politicians claiming that the Church is the “Kremlin hand”, pay close attention to where their own hands are at that moment. Because in 99 out of 100 cases, those hands are reaching into your pockets.
https://spzh.eu/en/zashhita-very/83490-the-kremlin-hand-in-the-peoples-pockets-who-are-they-uoc-persecutors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Rjf3YZSA3c
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmvSXKejas0&t=8s
Zelensky: For the second time in new history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians
The President congratulated Ukrainians on the Nativity of the Lord.President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended Christmas greetings to Ukrainians, emphasizing that all Ukrainians are celebrating Christmas according to the Revised Julian calendar on December 25. The video message was published by the Office of the President.
“For the second time, we celebrate Christmas on the same date as one big family, one country. For the second time in modern history, Christmas unites all Ukrainians. Today we are side by side. And we will not get lost. Whether in person or in our minds, we will greet each other, call our parents, kiss our children, hug our loved ones, and remember those close to us. In person, from afar, or in our hearts – Ukrainians are together today. And as long as we do this, evil has no chance,” the head of state noted.
According to the president, the true spirit of Christmas lies in the unity and warmth that Ukrainians, despite challenges, preserve in their hearts and share with those around them. “This unique atmosphere is something we will keep within ourselves, no matter what, and share with those around us. With everyone we love. With everyone who is so dear to us,” he added.
https://spzh.eu/en/news/83690-zelensky-for-the-second-time-in-new-history-christmas-unites-all-ukrainians
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/I8O45lqT4Yk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-pKYjx5PNE&t=4s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eotBqHztVS8
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/sBwBN-9Edfo
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J-Pn53drxJU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkixpNm8kjM
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLPvqY4DCZ8
Another case opened against human rights activist Kokhanovska
A fourth charge has not yet been formally presented to the head of “Women’s Power of Ukraine”; the authorities limited their actions to a search.
On December 21, 2024 law enforcement conducted a search at the apartment of Orthodox human rights activist Viktoria Kokhanovska in connection with a fourth criminal case opened under Article 161, Part 1 (inciting religious enmity and hatred). Kokhanovska shared a video with her comments on the Women’s Power of Ukraine channel.
During the search, phones, flash drives, and laptops were confiscated. Kokhanovska claims that the new case was initiated because previous cases were “falling apart, and they need to create problems.” In the video, she states that the case was opened over a post by a priest’s wife, which Kokhanovska had shared on her social media.
The police came to Kohanovska’s home the day after a missile strike on Kyiv, during which her building was damaged.
Although a fourth charge has not been formally presented to the head of “Women’s Power of Ukraine,” investigators limited their actions to confiscating equipment. Kokhanovska’s status in the fourth criminal case remains undetermined.
As previously reported by the UOJ, on April 19, 2023, the investigative department of the Pechersk Police Department initiated a criminal case under Part 3 of Article 296 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (hooliganism) after Kokhanovska and other believers opened building No. 39 of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, which had been unlawfully sealed by reserve staff and law enforcement.
On the same day, police forcibly detained Kokhanovska near the Lavra. On April 21, she was placed under 24-hour house arrest and informed of charges under Article 161, Part 1 (inciting religious enmity and hatred).
On August 15, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) officers conducted a search at her apartment, and the following day, the SBU presented her with a new charge under Part 2 of Article 436-2 (denial of Russian aggression).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlxbH87kyAY&t=10s
https://spzh.eu/en/news/83661-another-case-opened-against-human-rights-activist-kokhanovska
President Volodymyr Zelensky: the story of one mistakeIn 2019, the Orthodox voted for Zelensky because they saw him as the antipode of Poroshenko. Today we have a completely different person in front of us. Why?
In December 2024, Ukraine was shaken by a scandal – a cooking show was filmed in the Refectory Church of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Many Ukrainians, including high-ranking representatives from various religious denominations, called this event sacrilegious. At the same time, the show’s producer, AKIM HALIMOV, instead of apologizing, suddenly attacked the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which was expelled from the Lavra’s Refectory Church nearly two years ago. AKIM HALIMOV referred to the UOC as “filth” and “Muscovites” and urged the authorities to “throw it out of our country”. At first glance, this seemed like the reaction of an emotionally unstable individual. However, this is not entirely the case. Halimov’s statement reflects the state of the ecclesiastical sphere in Ukraine as of the end of 2024.
The level of religious intolerance in Ukraine has reached a “red line”. This intolerance is directed exclusively at one (and the largest) religious denomination in the country – the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which nearly a quarter of modern Ukraine’s population identifies with, amounting to over 6 million people. Its communities are being systematically liquidated (the authorities in Lviv region have declared that they have completely cleansed the area of parishes belonging to this denomination). Its churches are being physically demolished (there are reported cases in Kyiv, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk). Furthermore, the country has been rocked by scandals involving the forcible transfer of churches from the UOC to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which in practice often resemble militarized seizures. During such incidents, believers, priests, and even bishops sustain severe injuries. For instance, during the seizure of the cathedral in Cherkasy, Metropolitan Theodosius suffered a concussion after being struck with a bat, and parishioners were shot at with traumatic weapons by individuals in camouflage right inside the cathedral. Additionally, a special law, 3894–IX, has been drafted and enacted against the UOC, aiming to dismantle this denomination in one sweeping blow. In effect, the authorities have declared war on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and are conducting it by all the rules of military strategy.
Most political scientists and experts agree that behind all this looms the dark shadow of one person – President Volodymyr Zelensky. This is especially strange given that, at the beginning of his presidency, his position on religious matters was the exact opposite.
As a presidential candidate, in April 2019, he stated to RBC Ukraine: “The issue of religion is number one. We never discuss things that divide families and society. I never do that. Never.” After becoming president, he convincingly said that, regardless of religious affiliation, the main idea for Ukrainians should be to live with mutual respect: “Would it really matter to us which Church Kadeniuk or Lobanovsky go to?” And in a meeting with the believers of the Rivne Eparchy of the UOC in May 2019, Zelensky emphasised that “the state should not interfere with the Church”.
This position distinguished Zelensky favorably from his rival in the presidential elections, Petro Poroshenko (the sitting president at the time), who based his campaign on persecuting the believers of the UOC and aggressively promoting another Ukrainian denomination, the OCU. It was under Poroshenko’s presidency that the systematic persecution of UOC communities began, with the aim of forcing them to join the OCU.
Zelensky himself, while heading the popular comedy television project “95 Quarter”, mocked his opponent for this, referring to the Tomos (the document granting legitimacy to the OCU) as a “thermos”.
Thus, Volodymyr Zelensky positioned himself as a politician detached from church matters, which is quite in line with the provisions of the Ukrainian Constitution (it states that the Church is separated from the state).
As a result, it was Zelensky who won the 2019 election. Poroshenko, who had bet on the “Armovir” (Army-Faith-Language) slogans, suffered a resounding defeat. Thus, the new President could not fail to understand that using the religious issue for political purposes was not only illegal but also counterproductive. Nevertheless, by the end of 2024, we see that Zelensky has resumed the persecution of the UOC, doing it much tougher than his “teacher”. But at what point did the current President decide to change his policy towards the Church? And for what reasons?
Power and the UOC: a sudden 180-degree turnaround
Undoubtedly, the turning point was the war that Russia unleashed against Ukraine. However, the UOC showed in the very first hours of the war whose side they were on. On the first day of the invasion, Metropolitan Onuphry condemned Russia’s aggression and called on his flock to defend their Homeland. This position was reaffirmed in all subsequent statements by the UOC Synod. In May 2022, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held a Council, during which it actually severed all ties with the Russian Orthodox Church and made these changes to its Statute (“Constitution”, the governing document of the Church). In other words, the UOC showed that it was with the people of Ukraine.
Zelensky saw and knew this. On 12 March 2022, he thanked the UOC for its assistance in organizing a humanitarian convoy to besieged Mariupol. The same attitude was shown by all other representatives of the government. The head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, wrote in March 2022 that “useful idiots” were spreading the idea of a religious conflict in society due to the presence of a “Russian Church” in Ukraine. The same sentiment was expressed in April of that year by the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, who commented on the idea of a legislative ban on the UOC: “During the war, we have no right to adopt any law that divides Ukrainian society.” A similar stance was taken by Yermak’s advisor and the de facto spokesperson for the President’s Office, Mykhailo Podoliak, who, during this period, called for “not speculating” on the issue of banning the UOC, because otherwise, “we may face internal conflict, and today, unity, which Ukraine has demonstrated to the world, is far more essential and much more important.” Furthermore, Podoliak stated at the time that the UOC was a structure different from the ROC, one that rejected Russian aggression. It is important to note that this was said before the UOC Council.
Oleksandr Tkachenko, the then Minister of Culture, in September 2022, sharply reprimanded journalists who referred to the UOC as the “Moscow Patriarchate”: “I do not know any ROC representatives in Ukraine. There is the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which, at the last Synod, distanced itself precisely from the ROC.”
But then, not much time passed before government representatives began saying completely opposite things about the UOC.
In January 2023, Podoliak stated that the UOC was a “propaganda institute” that “works for the values of another country”. Other figures of our research made similar claims during this period. Stefanchuk said that the UOC “poses a national security threat to Ukraine”. Tkachenko, completely forgetting his previous statement that he “did not know about the ROC in Ukraine”, calmly referred to the UOC as the “Moscow Patriarchate” and claimed that it allegedly supported the war. In other words, within two to three months (from September 2022 to January 2023), the authorities made the decision to completely change their stance towards the UOC.
What happened? Could it be that representatives of the Church took some hostile actions towards the state? No. The UOC still helps the army more than any other denomination, supports migrants and victims of hostilities. In addition, it is the UOC that has suffered the most from the war. The majority of the hundreds of destroyed churches belong to this denomination, and dozens of its clergy have been killed or wounded during the fighting.
Nevertheless, Volodymyr Zelensky suddenly begins his attack on the UOC. On 1 December 2022, he held a meeting of the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC), during which he instructed to draft a bill to ban the activities of “religious organizations affiliated with the Russian Federation” and gave the go-ahead to expel the UOC from the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The President also ordered the “activation of measures to identify and counteract the subversive activities of Russian intelligence services in Ukraine’s religious sphere”. At the same time, large-scale searches by the SBU have been taking place in monasteries, churches and eparchial offices of the UOC across the country since the end of November.
In fact, the Ukrainian secret police found nothing, and their actions were more of a public intimidation nature. They were meant to show society that “there is no smoke without fire”, and that the UOC is an enemy of Ukraine.
Obviously, the task of black PR against the Church was assigned not only to the Security Service but also to Zelensky’s former media colleagues.
Almost all central and regional media outlets in Ukraine began to talk about the UOC in a derogatory and offensive manner, labelling it as “Kremlin supporters”, “agents of Putin”, “FSB agents”, and so on. But the President’s friends from the “95 Quarter” went the furthest. After Zelensky’s statement on the UOC, they released a blasphemous issue of the program “Bayraktar News”, in which they said that “Ukraine bans on its territory the activities of the Russian father, the Moscow son and the bunker spirit”. (a direct mockery of the dogma of the Trinity). The actors also made crude remarks on air about the UOC, using offensive language and de facto called for the beating and killing of priests. This program sparked mass outrage among Ukrainians. Lawyers for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church filed a lawsuit, but it had no consequences. And everyone understands for what reasons. The head of the SBU, Maliuk, openly stated on “1+1” that all issues related to his organization’s work on the UOC are personally overseen by Zelensky: “Right now, all of this is happening under the leadership of our President of Ukraine.”
The beginning of terror
In fact, after this program and the inaction of law enforcement, a green light was given for the harshest actions against the UOC. Since then, there has been a surge in violence against the clergy and believers of the Church.
On 25 December 2022, in a UOC temple in Chornomorsk, a man with a knife attempted to stab a priest during a service. On 2 January 2023, in a UOC church in Vinnytsia, an offender slit a priest’s throat with a razor. In April 2023, a thug attacked Bishop Nikita of Ivano-Frankivsk on the street and punched him in the face several times. In November 2023, during the seizure of the UOC Monastery of the Nativity of the Holy Theotokos, Priest Serhiy Pashchenko was brutally beaten – his jaw was broken in two places. At the same time, an elderly parishioner, Oleh Slobodianyk, had his leg broken. And these are just a few of the most well-known examples. In reality, there are many more.
In the spring of 2023, a wave of mass and brutal seizures of UOC temples began in Western Ukraine, which, with varying success, has continued across the country to this day. In fact, UOC eparchies in the Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk regions have been completely destroyed, with a dire situation in the Ternopil, Volyn and Khmelnytskyi regions. Almost all the UOC churches in the Kyiv region have been seized.
At the same time, the authorities pretend that none of this is happening. Officials and representatives of “court” denominations convince the West that Ukraine is a country of exceptional religious freedom. Those who speak the truth are thrown into prison, as happened to the UOJ journalists. The persecution of the UOC is only openly discussed abroad. Among those speaking out was the new US Vice President JD Vance, and similar statements were made by politicians such as Catherine Whiteford, Tulsi Gabbard, Vivek Ramaswamy, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission.
Yet, the question remains: why did Volodymyr Zelensky start this shameful campaign against his own people? After all, the millions of UOC believers are just as Ukrainian as everyone else: atheists, Catholics, Protestants, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and so on. Their right to religious freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution. Why is this right so cynically taken away from them?
“Do you want to lose the war? Then start a war against God, ban the Church”
Perhaps, we should go back to that period of 2022, when Zelensky, together with his entourage, so lightning-fast changed his attitude to the church issue. Let us recall that it happened in November-December. It was the time when the lightning counter-offensive of Ukraine, which resulted in the liberation of significant territories of the country, was booted and in fact ended. At the same time, the people on a wave of euphoria expected more and more victories. And they were demonstated to the people. Victories over their own fellow citizens.
Faithful soldiers began to massively record appeals from the front to the authorities, demanding to stop repression against their Church.
“There are millions of us, Orthodox,” said one of the warriors and called on the authorities to stop the persecution of the UOC. Another remarked that he was defending not only the state but also his Church at the front.
Well, one of the priests explained that the war against the UOC would lead Ukraine to defeat.
“Do you want to lose the war? Then start a war against God. Ban the Church. Take away the temples. Beat and abuse the priests. Beat and abuse their parishioners. And you will lose the war. Because not a single person in history has ever won nor will anyone ever win a war against God – this is an obvious thing,” the clergyman said.
These words were said at the beginning of 2023. And now, almost two years later, it is difficult to claim that he was wrong. After Zelensky began the terror against his own Orthodox citizens, the situation on the front line is not encouraging for Ukrainians. One could call it a coincidence, or one could see a pattern.
Petro Poroshenko, who once made the “victory” over the “wrong” Church the main trump card of his policy, has ingloriously lost. Volodymyr Zelensky, who is undoubtedly a talented and intelligent man, decided to follow in Poroshenko’s footsteps. And so, he is making the same mistake.
Those who fight against God have no prospects.
https://spzh.eu/en/zashhita-very/83622-president-the-story-of-one-mistake
https://spzh.eu/en/news/83563-song-and-dance-ensemble-performs-in-lavras-refectory-church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLPvqY4DCZ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdu_86vUhlk
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBjIr0YBb2o&t=3s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxDlK2Vh5us
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Dear Representatives of the International Community!
Thank you very much for your support of our UOC and your sympathy!
In Ukraine, the UOC continues to be persecuted… These terrible demons burn Holy books and Icons, throw Holy church items into the trash… This is all because of the godless policy of Zelensky and Poroshenko – the new Nero and Diocletian.
There is such an activist and YouTuber in Ukraine – Alexey STERNENKO. He ACTIVELY incited hatred and hostility towards the UOC among Ukrainians, calling the UOC a Russian branch of the FSB in Ukraine. Sternenko’s reputation is not very good. Rather, he has a criminal reputation. And he does NOT believe in God.
Please, read a little more about this RELIGIOUS CRIMINAL- STERNENKO, who must be TRIAL to the fullest extent of the law. After all, he incited HATRED towards the UOC in MILLIONS of Ukrainians. He is also a PERSECUTOR of the UOC!!! And please watch his videos in which he INSULTS and SLANDERS the UOC, as well as all our hierarchs, priests, monks and believers.
Serhii Viacheslavovych Sternenko is a Ukrainian activist and Youtuber. As of 2024, his You Tube channel has over 2.1 million subscribers. He is a former board member and head of the Odesa regional branch of Right Sector, a coalition of Right-wing groups that includes ultranationalist and far-right elements.
14:30 11.06.2020 (SBU)
Activist Sternenko served notice of suspicion for premeditated murder, cold weapons possession.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has notified activist Serhiy Sternenko of suspicion of premeditated murder and illegal possession of knives, the SBU press service said.
“Today, taking into account the materials of the case and the examinations, as agreed with the Prosecutor General’s Office, Sternenko was informed of a suspicion of a crime under Part 1 of Article 115 (intentional unlawful causing death to another person) and Part 2 of Article 263 of Ukraine’s Criminal Code (carrying a cold weapon without permission provided by law),” the SBU press center said in a statement.
Also, in September 2015, a case was opened against Sternenko on suspicion of kidnapping.
In September 2015, criminal proceedings were initiated against Sternenko on suspicion of kidnapping in the spring of 2015 a deputy of the Kominternivka district council of the Odessa region, Serhiy Shcherbych.
In the end, it was in this case that Sternenko was sentenced on February 23, 2021 to 7 years and 3 months of imprisonment with confiscation of half of his property (!!!!!). The verdict concerns the case of the kidnapping of local deputy Serhiy Shcherbich. Sternenko was found guilty under articles: part 2 of art. 146, part 2 of art. 187 and part 1 of art. 263 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, but Serhiy was released from liability under the article on kidnapping due to the expiration of the statute of limitations.
Serhiy STERNENKO leads a video blog on YouTube, where he talks about events in Ukraine.
Please read the title of HIS videos with mud and slander on the UOC. You can turn on English subtitles on YouTube and watch the speeches of the satanist Sternenko against the UOC. What do you think – Sternenko is a criminal? I think, yes:
1.”Russians in panic over possible return of Lavra to Ukraine, while priests of UOC MP want to continue serving Russia In Lavra”
2.”Priests curse Ukraine, Pasha Mercedes threatens Zelensky. UOC MP blocks shrine In Kyiv”
3.”UOC MP used believers in the interests of Moscow and Medvedchuk”
4.”Moscow priests in Ukraine are spreading coronavirus and killing Ukrainians – STERNENKO ON ZVYAZKU”
5. “Will Ukraine finally ban UOC MP and return Lavra? It’s high time to close FSB branch”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWBSPSzsGMQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFR7MXOS9B0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrRnnRy4AZI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otpxD6eRbZ8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A3cBNSP33w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX_kMCU6yVQ
Please also watch several videos about the persecution of the UOC in Ukraine.
I HAVE NO WORDS!!! MY HEART BLEEDS BECAUSE OF THE PERSECUTION OF THE UOC!!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/J-Pn53drxJU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq9yikkjnws
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z64iCncg3V0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS_wTCU5B-Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TwmMJuL9kg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBhjolzI7jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs4txOncmRk&t=8s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTUTT_X8gL4&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ua3tffetHLU&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCeKUgmZQWE&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kterdZl6Ock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbxwIqg-o2c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRTbLcRIoko&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fkcx-hb6cE
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/T0K5fabHSps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARy91sktnjM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2pEYE4vn5E
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/HewJB8UQjDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4A8HHqBr91s&t=27s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNm9t1zLxCA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h04w70Jrj-8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DqE_a3liw&t=4s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPw7J7LYUt0&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2sEGHgmVVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WvfxinlqtA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4&t=10s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9JKJ7Kbkag&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZxDxgi3XFY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFhmp6Lm61Y&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO9I3L1K-BU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8NQfbk0l4M&t=2s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgGxOqqrDAI&t=346s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-qvwTXh7oM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6JpCjjOuso&t=2s
https://spzh.eu/ru/news/83406-zelenskij-ustroil-voennyj-zavtrak-v-trapeznom-khrame-lavry
https://spzh.eu/ru/news/83388-sud-ostavil-namestnika-svjatohorskoj-lavry-pod-strazhej-do- fevralya-2025-goda
https://spzh.eu/ru/uzniki-sovesti/mirovaya-reaktsiya/83250-amsterdam-zhurnalistam-upts-hrozit-pozhiznennoe-za-to-chto-oni-hovorjat-pravdu
Please share this information with other people. Let the whole world know about it!!! I thank you in advance!!
God bless you!!!
With LOVE in CHRIST!!!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
Dear representatives of the International Community!
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
You know that the UOC is being persecuted in Ukraine. The persecution is very cruel. Ukrainian Goebbels propaganda media incites hatred among Ukrainians towards the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. And by doing so they confirm their PARTICIPATION in the PERSECUTION OF THE UOC!!!! Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman are very well-known journalists and TV presenters in Ukraine, as well as a married couple. Maybe you have heard of them? If not, I will tell you a little about them.
They are also participating in the persecution of the UOC (Gordon is an atheist). They SPILLED SLANDER AND DIRT AGAINST OUR UOC, as well as our UOC hierarchs, especially Metropolitan Pavlo – the Rector of the Kiev-Pecherska Lavra. They called him terrible names, and they also called our UOC – “a RUSSIAN branch of the FSB in Ukraine”, which is a terrible lie!!! They called our priests and hierarchs – Russian FSB officers in cassocks, thereby inciting hatred towards them among Ukrainians!!!
Thus, the Gordon spouses (Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman) are also PERSECUTORS of the UOC. SHAME ON THEM!
Please watch these 2 videos in which Dmitry Gordon and Olesia Batsman SLANDER and pour dirt on our UOC and our Metropolitan Pavlo. Please, turn on English subtitles on YouTube to watch these videos. Look how they have fun and how they MOCK at the UOC, which is under TERRIBLE BLOODY PERSECUTION in Ukraine.
This really horrifies me! They, in my opinion, like the journalist Vitaly Portnikov, are RELIGIOUS CRIMINALS!!!
God bless you!
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ and believer of the UOC
Avramenko Tetyana
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqsEFcLpeb4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtvosmzjD0I
[…] policy). Trump also never required Ukraine to live up to either of the Minsk accords, and backed Pompeo’s meddling in Ukrainian church affairs that has directly led to the ongoing persecution of the Ukrainian […]
Bancheny Monastery gives reason for Met Longin’s hospitalization
The monastery asks for holy prayers for the Metropolitan, who was taken away by ambulance.
During the regular court session on 30 October, Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny became ill and asked for a break until tomorrow, reports the Bancheny Monastery on its Telegram channel.
It is noted that the judge refused the request of the metropolitan.
The channel of the monastery published photos in which Met Longin is given first aid right in the courtroom, and then he is carried on a stretcher to the ambulance.
“The consequence of today’s court session over Metropolitan Longin,” reads the message. “We ask for holy prayers!”
As the UOJ reported, earlier MP Artem Dmytruk on his Telegram-channel called for prayers for the health of Metropolitan Longin of Bancheny, who was hospitalized after his physical state deteriorated during the court hearings.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82761-bancheny-monastery-gives-reason-for-met-longins-hospitalization
https://spzh.life/en/news/82758-after-court-hearings-met-longin-hospitalized-to-intensive-care-unit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUNkHVbJDRs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1DqE_a3liw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n82yhA0rUaA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZUqyr0QWM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN1T6cA-3cM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBXtyMkfYyk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEccIhTNevQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtTJ4dsLEP8&t=47s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UyA6Zhv6c8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dgd2TNw7YoY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF3cjXZ0w0k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7i5FMiFWa4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaVFFOkuwV0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20R2y1tPG7Q
Dear brothers and sisters!
I thank all of you for supporting the UOC. God bless you!
In Ukraine, the brutal and bloody persecution of the UOC continues. OCU raiders continue to abuse believers and priests UOC with the support of the ukrainian authorities, the police and the SBU.
Please watch these videos. Among them is one of the video recordings of surveillance cameras that were located at the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy.
This recording records the night invasion of the OCU hired militants on the territory of the shrine on October 17. OCU cleric Nazarii Zasanskyi, who is easily recognizable even behind a mask, consults with the raiders on how best to break the video surveillance cameras:
“In short, the situation is as follows. The cameras show, although I disassembled 2 system cabinets. With the switches, with everything, I messed with it. And akuma, and supplementary feeding – I cut everything. The broadcast is going”, — reports one of the raiders.
They were very afraid that the cameras would record their crime. And the cameras recorded everything.
With love in Christ
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7tn7Hq1op8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrQ3xFLMwBs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRTbLcRIoko
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHXxnOlieCo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aFZ0avdA5U&t=1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeOquQnIPys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfGhSrT5s-Y&t=22s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQZJniKwzfM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ichK5yJ98EQ&t=8s
Patriarch Bartholomew!
A monument to you was recently erected in Australia and you took a photo with it!!!
In Ukraine there is already a monument to the BLOODY TOMOS, which you provided to Ukraine by committing a TERRIBLE BLOODY CATASTROPHE AND SIN!!!
Patriarch Bartholomew, did you hear about the BLOODY ATTACK on the Cathedral in Cherkassy??? And did you see how they beat Metropolitan Theodosius? How do you feel about this??? Doesn’t your conscience bother you?? Do you sleep peacefully?
After all, your great guilt is that in Ukraine the satanic Ukrainian government is PERSECUTING the UOC!!! Did you see the BLOODY RAIDER SEIZURES OF UOC TEMPLES??? HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS??? What will you say at God’s Judgment before God?? Do you still consider yourself a Christian?? Do you really consider yourself an Orthodox patriarch? Are you worthy of being called a Christian??
Watch these videos where you can see how these demons beat Metropolitan Theodosius, who a few days ago addressed you, Patriarch Bartholomew, regarding this BLOODY CRIME – one of the most terrible events in the history of the Orthodox Church!!!!!
Tetyana Avramenko
(UOC believer)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtv7X6N5t9A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoSmgTsbnPs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3-h7wUXhYg&t=5s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J3EkzbgXzs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL4ZxHPj8aQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsS_EvV-_Bg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGara-L3nWE
https://spzh.live/en/news/82568-metropolitan-theodosiy-diagnosed-with-concussion
Metropolitan Theodosiy diagnosed with concussion
According to the Cherkasy Eparchy, over 10 parishioners from the cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity following the recent events.
On October 19, 2024, it became known that Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv was diagnosed with a concussion after being beaten by representatives of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) during the seizure of the Cathedral, as reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
“During the forceful seizure of the Cathedral in Cherkasy, Metropolitan Theodosiy was among the injured. He has been diagnosed with a concussion, first-degree corneal burns in both eyes, and burns on his skin,” the press service stated.
Metropolitan Theodosiy is currently prescribed treatment and strict bed rest.
The diocese also reported that “more than 10 parishioners of the Cathedral have been hospitalized with injuries of varying severity, and several dozen are receiving outpatient treatment.”
The press service urged people to “not trust the disinformation from ‘honest’ media claiming that no believers were hospitalized and that the parishioners of the Cathedral attempted to ‘seize’ the church from themselves.”
“Trust common sense and your own eyes, as there are numerous photo and video testimonies of this brutal bloody crime against the faithful citizens of Ukraine,” the diocese wrote.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that the SBU is demanding stricter detention measures for Metropolitan Theodosiy.
Cherkasy Cathedral seized, what’s next?On 17 October 2024, supporters of the OCU seized the Cathedral in Cherkasy. How can events unfold, and what could this mean for the Church?
A complete chronology of the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is presented here: “Faith against violence: Chronicle of the UOC cathedral seizure in Cherkasy”. It is worth paying attention to several key points that will determine the future developments in Cherkasy and Ukraine as a whole.
Government favoritismThe takeover took place with full approval from the authorities, and most likely at their direct instruction. The Telegram channel “Resident”, citing an anonymous source in the Office of the President, reported that orders were given to seize cathedrals in UOC eparches. Local authorities had long expressed anti-church rhetoric. Many regional and city councils had passed decisions at their sessions to ban the UOC’s activities in their territories or had appealed to the Verkhovna Rada to enforce such a ban nationwide.
The mayor of Cherkasy, Anatoliy Bondarenko, openly expressed his intentions to transfer St. Michael’s Cathedral to the OCU and, a few days before, published an actual announcement of the seizure on Instagram. Moreover, between the first (unsuccessful) and second (successful) attempts to seize the cathedral, the mayor made a public appeal, de facto calling on OCU supporters to come and back the activists’ actions to take over the temple.
Several months ago, the UOJ suggested that failures on the front would push the authorities to intensify persecution of the UOC to distract public attention from their own erroneous decisions and redirect popular anger toward someone else. The Church is an ideal target for such manipulations: peaceful, defenceless, and willing to endure and forgive everything. Christ made the Church this way, and it must remain so, no matter what. Otherwise, it would cease to be the Church.
As early as 64 AD, the Roman Emperor Nero, needing to deflect blame from himself for the burning of Rome, pointed to Christians as the arsonists and staged a public, bloody reprisal against them to satisfy the wrath of the crowd. The same is happening today. In recent days, to the difficult situation on the front, a diplomatic failure of the so-called “Zelensky’s Victory Plan” has been added. Leading Western countries effectively denied the President of Ukraine key conditions of the plan: NATO membership and permission to strike deep into Russia. All these negative news stories for the authorities need to be compensated for and done so loudly. That’s why the targets were not simple parish churches, but cathedrals. Soon after the seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, there was an attempt to seize the cathedral in Kremenchuk.
Inaction of law enforcementIn a constitutional state, which Ukraine is according to its Constitution, the law enforcement system should not be guided by political motives. Its role is to ensure strict adherence to the law and hold offenders accountable. In this case, there was a large-scale, blatant and completely unmasked violation of the law. This included physical violence, the use of firearms (or something resembling them), illegal entry into a building, robbery, threats, incitement of religious hatred, and much more. Yet law enforcers calmly observed these crimes and, not only did they do nothing, but according to eyewitnesses, they even facilitated these actions in certain ways. The seizure of St. Michael’s Cathedral is a violation of multiple Ukrainian laws and an infringement on basic rights and freedoms. However, there was almost no response from law enforcement.
Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy stated that the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral will defend their rights in court. This is the right course of action, but based on the experience of court proceedings related to the UOC, it is difficult to expect a fair trial. Just consider the persecution of UOJ journalists, who have been imprisoned for over six months merely for reporting the news. Time and again, courts have granted the absurd and immoral requests of prosecutors and investigators. This proves that Ukraine does not have an independent judiciary, as is also enshrined in the Constitution, and there is no opportunity for Ukrainian citizens to exercise their right to an independent, public and fair trial.
This indicates that while the authorities verbally commit to the path of European integration, in practice they are doing everything possible to prevent this integration from happening, distancing Ukraine further and further from European human rights standards and democratic principles of state and society. There are many statements from those in power claiming that Ukraine is not Russia – that we have democracy, while they have authoritarianism; that we have human rights, while they have the dominance of security forces. But in reality, the policy of the Ukrainian authorities is becoming increasingly similar to that of our adversary. We are adopting their authoritarian methods of governance, prioritizing political expediency over law and human rights, and shaping the state and society according to the same templates as the Russian Federation. In the end, this could lead to Ukraine’s defeat, because a democratic, legal state can defeat a large authoritarian country, but a small authoritarian state can never defeat a large authoritarian state.
Cruelty of attackersJudging by footage recoreded by eyewitnesses during the seizure, the attackers were given full carte blanche for any violence. They fired shots, sprayed tear gas on the faithful and brutally beat them, showing no concern for whom they struck. It’s important to note how harshly and skillfully they beat people – these are individuals who clearly know how to fight and do it often. The conclusion is obvious: these were militants, specially brought in and likely paid to do the dirty work.
This style strongly resembles the “titushky” from Yanukovych’s era. If the authorities want to do something outside the law, they turn to people like this. However, by doing so, they undermine the very foundation of the state, one of which is the government’s monopoly on legitimate violence. When the authorities allow such violence to be carried out by non-state actors operating outside the law, they destroy the state. If this is not stopped, Ukraine could descend into lawlessness, where power belongs to whoever can attract more “titushky” than their opponent.
The only way to resist such methods is through prayer and a willingness to sacrifice. The option of deploying strong young men from the faithful to confront these militants carries the risk of turning a situation where the Church defends its rights legally into a conflict between two groups equally breaking the law. Perhaps, this is exactly what the ideologists behind these church seizures want. Hiring legal security firms to protect UOC churches may be useful, but it’s clear that against such large-scale and well-organized operations like the seizure of the Cherkasy cathedral, this won’t help.
Steadfastness of believersAnother, and perhaps the most important, aspect of this event is that the St. Michael’s Cathedral community did not split into supporters and opponents of joining the OCU; nearly the entire community remained faithful to the Holy Church. The claims by Mayor A. Bondarenko and others that the community voted to transfer to the OCU are lies with no basis in reality. Everyone saw that the cathedral was seized not by believers or community members, but by strong men in balaclavas under the direction of OCU “priest” Nazariy Zasansky. Will they pray in this cathedral after the seizure? Will they maintain and repair it with their own funds? It’s laughable, isn’t it? Not to mention where the $60,000 and 80,000 hryvnias, which parishioners raised for restoration and a bell, will go – funds that were stolen during the seizure. Certainly not for their intended purpose.
If the community of St. Michael’s Cathedral, or at least part of it, had agreed to transfer to the OCU, they would have peacefully continued praying in the cathedral, with no one expelling them, threatening them or beating them. For Metropolitan Theodosiy, a move to the OCU would mean the closing of all criminal cases and a quiet life. For the priests, it would mean retaining their places of service and their corresponding incomes. But they chose suffering and faithfulness to God over peace and prosperity. The Apostle Paul wrote about this when he said that the prophet Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.” (Hebrews 11:25-26). It is in this “looking ahead to the reward” that the faithful must draw their strength. Today we are persecuted, humiliated and slandered; our churches are taken, and we are accused of lacking patriotism. But was not all this done to Christ by His own people? Did the apostles of Christ not endure all this? Have not the martyrs and all true followers of our Lord Jesus Christ experienced the same?
“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works.’” (Matthew 16:24-27).
What’s next?There were very few parishes in the UOC where the majority wanted to join the OCU, and they moved to the OCU quietly and peacefully. Most did so without their priests, as the clergy showed great steadfastness in their faith. There were a few more communities where opinions were divided, and these transferred to the OCU amid conflict and resistance. The faithful who remained with the Church formed their own community. Then there were more cases where one or two “Judas” stirred up trouble, agitating the faithful, involving the public misled by propaganda and bringing in activists to seize the church. In some cases, they succeeded. But as of today, it’s safe to say that all those who wanted to join the OCU have already done so. The Church is purified during times of persecution, and this cleansing is largely complete. Long before the creation of the OCU, there was a saying that roughly one in twelve Christians is a “Judas”. In this current phase of persecution, the percentage of “Judases” in the UOC has proven to be much smaller. Despite criminal cases, threats, imprisonments, attacks by militants, and much more, not a single bishop (except for Drabinko and Shostatsky, who left the UOC at the very beginning) has wanted to join the OCU project. There have been no mass transfers of communities or, especially, of the clergy.
Therefore, it’s reasonable to assume that going forward, if current trends continue, no one will join the OCU. This doesn’t mean there won’t be more church seizures – those will certainly continue. The UOC will likely lose more cathedrals and churches, but “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man” (Acts 17:24).
God lives in human hearts, and only a person can drive Him out. If someone harbours malice, hatred or resentment in their heart, God will not dwell there. We won’t even talk about the militants and church raiders, but if the faithful, those who defend their churches and shrines, allow themselves to feel ungodly emotions or thoughts, they will indeed suffer a spiritual defeat. “And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold…” (Matt. 24:12). This is what we must fear and prevent. If we have love, no matter what happens, we are with God, we are in the Church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against us.
Metropolitan Theodosiy called the cathedral’s community to gather in homes for services. This is what will happen, and in God’s eyes, it will still be the same community, the same Church as when services were held in the cathedral.
Even if things are much simpler and poorer on the outside, the prayers will be even more fervent, the cry to God even more piercing, and the faith even more firm. Today, the St. Michael’s Cathedral community is facing hardship, just as Christians who lost their churches faced hardship yesterday, and as those who lose theirs tomorrow will also face. But they can be comforted with these words: “They took your cathedral—build a cathedral in your heart! Cleanse it of sin, of vain thoughts, of feelings unworthy of God! Invite the Spirit of God there: ‘Come and dwell in us…’ And you will see that what happened on 17 October and before to other churches, and what may happen in the future, was not a loss but a gain for you.”
https://spzh.live/en/zashhita-very/82577-cherkasy-cathedral-seized-whats-next
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAUuAz4Yru4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80E53V7hVWU&t=18s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suABfPlpTAs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVrR235YTus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9dwJ-rkeaQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAbVa3HzDlk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6JpCjjOuso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xkqCnmfkxk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrDpEIBR-o4&t=2s
Met. Theodosiy after seizure: “Behold, your house is left to you desolate”Metropolitan Theodosiy addressed the faithful after the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy.
On October 17, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv addressed the faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) following the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral in Cherkasy by radicals. During the assault, tear gas was used, which, as seen in the video, appeared to cause vision problems for the Metropolitan. Despite the challenges, he urged the faithful to remain steadfast and expressed confidence that the church would once again be filled with grace when the believers could return.
“Brothers and sisters! We did everything we could. We tried to defend our cathedral from the bandits. Unfortunately, against such force, there is no recourse. Thus, our shrine has been seized, albeit illegally,” said Metropolitan Theodosiy.
He mentioned that the UOC would appeal to the courts regarding the situation with the cathedral, noting that seeking justice would be difficult due to the political situation: “Of course, we will try to seek the truth in court, but knowing how these matters are currently resolved here, with purely political considerations, there is little hope.”
The UOC hierarch also reminded the faithful that their spiritual connection with the church remains, even if they have temporarily lost access to the sanctuary, quoting the Gospel, “Behold, your house is left to you desolate.”
“Along with us, divine grace departs from the cathedral. Along with us, the protection and help of Archangel Michael and the holy martyr Macarius depart.” He urged the faithful not to lose hope and to remain confident that the faithful of the UOC would surely return there.
Addressing those who were injured during the assault, the Metropolitan gave practical advice on dealing with injuries. He spoke of priests with knocked-out teeth, fractures, and possible concussions: “Brothers and sisters, all who have suffered today, seek medical help and take care of yourselves. The Lord will surely reward each of you according to the strength of your faith and your desire to defend the Church.”
Metropolitan Theodosiy also noted that if church raids continue, the faithful will be compelled to pray underground: “Stay in touch with your priests, gather in apartments, homes, attics, basements, and we will pray and hold Divine Liturgies underground.” In conclusion, the UOC hierarch blessed everyone, calling for unity and prayer: “The Lord is with us, the Mother of God is with us, Archangel Michael is with us, and the holy martyr Macarius will never abandon us!”
As reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists, unidentified men in camouflage uniforms seized the UOC cathedral in Cherkasy on their second attempt.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82549-met-theodosiy-after-seizure-behold-your-house-is-left-to-you-desolate
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Dear Representatives of Orthodox Reflections and the International Community!
Thank you for all that you do to support and protect the UOC. God bless you!
Please read this terrible information about what happened in Cherkassy!!! This is one of the most terrible events that took place during the persecution of the UOC by the satanic authorities of Zelensky and Poroshenko. Zelensky and Poroshenko have become the new Nero and Diocletian – some of the most brutal torturers and persecutors of Christians!!!
Please watch these videos. You can turn on English subtitles on YouTube. Please spread this information and tell everyone about these terrible events in Ukraine.
With love in Christ!
God bless you!
Your sister in Christ
Tetyana Avramenko
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Raiders in Cherkassy opened fire on UOC believers
Parishioners were gassed, beaten, and shot with a pistol.
On the night of October 17, 2024, at about 3 a.m., about 100 people in camouflage and balaclavas broke into the territory of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkassy. The invaders tried to take the temple by force. When a group of UOC believers, led by Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, arrived at the scene, they organized the defense of the cathedral. However, people in camouflage opened fire with a gas pistol on parishioners. The attack was filmed on video, which shows how the invaders continued to shoot at believers while trying to escape. Despite the aggression of the OCU supporters, the believers managed to defend the temple, but a few hours later the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy was seized.
26 people were injured during the seizure of the UOC Cathedral in Cherkassy, - medical service
12 people were hospitalized. During the violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy and the confrontation between paramilitary individuals against the clergy and believers of the UOC on October 17, dozens of people were injured. This was reported in a commentary to the local publication “18000” by the head of the Cherkassy emergency medical care Igor Fesun. He said that 14 victims were examined on an outpatient basis, another 12 were hospitalized.
Among the main injuries are burns of the mucous membranes from pepper spray, as well as several fractures.
In Cherkassy, Metropolitan Feodosiy was hospitalized after the seizure of the UOC cathedral Stormtroopers attacked the bishop and beat him.
On October 17, the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkassy was seized by unknown persons in camouflage on the second attempt. Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkassy and Kanev, who arrived to support the believers and help defend the temple, was attacked and hit on the head. He was also sprayed with tear gas. After the cathedral was stormed, the bishop addressed the believers and blessed them to leave the shrine and gather for prayer in private homes, and to seek medical attention for injuries sustained.
Many believers have vision problems from tear gas, and there are also concussions.
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https://spzh.life/en/news/82543-medical-service-26-people-were-injured-during-the-cherkasy-cathedral-raid
https://spzh.life/en/news/82534-metropolitan-theodosiy-hospitalized-after-uoc-cathedral-seizure-in-cherkasy
https://spzh.life/en/news/82542-uoc-chancellor-we-are-with-met-theodosiy-and-his-flock-with-all-our-hearts
https://spzh.life/en/news/82530-unknown-individuals-in-camouflage-seize-cherkasy-cathedral-on-the-second-try
https://spzh.life/en/news/82529-raiders-in-cherkasy-open-fire-on-uoc-believers
https://spzh.life/en/news/82539-amsterdam-urges-ukraines-partners-to-condemn-seizure-of-cherkasy-cathedral
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bD1Ypnzce4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyQ1YLQOsvg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpRo7l_Bn9I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0K5fabHSps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRERG9Sq_2M
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl8QNWgAEyM
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/arzygPS13XQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFuZnzvGSwY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roa_jN0GI0E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgXfLYvf4xA&t=3s
17/10/2024
METROPOLITAN THEODOSIUS’S ADDRESS TO PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW!!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQQ8WGivMnk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bD1Ypnzce4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8pabKLcEdY&t=207s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3cDITNDKtA&t=41s
The family of the UOC priest with his wife and four CHILDREN are kicked out into the street!!!! The priest’s well was poisoned and the CRIMINALS cut off the electricity. This is the kind of SPIRITUAL INDEPENDENCE that the Ukrainian authorities are telling everyone??? Shame on the Ukrainian authorities!!!!
Metropolitan Longin to Zelensky: Release my son from TRC
05 October 07:15
Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny addressed an appeal to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky.
On October 4, 2024, Metropolitan Longin (Zhar) of Bancheny recorded a video appeal to President Zelensky, demanding his help in securing the release of his son, who was forcibly mobilized by TRC officials.
In his address, the metropolitan explained that his son, who was abducted by the TRC officers, has two young children, and his wife is nine months pregnant and is expected to give birth to their third child soon.
Metropolitan Longin believes that the actions of the TRC officials have nothing to do with Ukrainian law.
Later that same day, despite his own health problems, the metropolitan arrived at the building of the Chernivtsi TRC to demand his son’s release.
He described the actions of the TRC representatives, who “mobilized” the father of two children, as inhumane and promised to remain outside the TRC building until his son’s release is secured.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that two UOC priests were abducted by TRC officers in Zakarpattia. However, due to the active stance of UOC believers who demanded the release of the clergy, they were later freed.
https://spzh.live/en/news/82360-metropolitan-longin-to-zelensky-release-my-son-from-trchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHkeoqysqV4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPvnmg20O4s
https://spzh.live/en/news/82401-mp-trc-officers-abducted-another-uoc-priest-in-kyiv
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjYkNACSUqUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OipUyI-8oyI&t=21s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOK8IkqFkA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv6o_NgzjZ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAh58-B91i4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqBt2c5_YLE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWlCokXp3Uk&t=1s