Supporters of the Moscow Patriarchate attempted to storm Kyiv’s St. Michael’s Cathedral after its recent transfer to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), leading to hours of clashes with pro-Ukrainian Christians.
Chaos Erupts
Violence broke out at St. Michael’s as pro-Ukrainian groups clashed with Moscow Patriarchate supporters. The confrontation, lasting over six hours, saw physical scuffles involving sticks, stones, and chairs, according to The US Sun. Several people sustained injuries and required medical attention.
Supporters of the Moscow Patriarchate attempted to storm Kyiv’s St. Michael’s Cathedral after its recent transfer to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), leading to hours of clashes with pro-Ukrainian Christians.
Watch the video here:
In Cherkasy, supporters of the Moscow 🇷🇺 Patriarchate ✝️ stormed Ukraine's 🇺🇦 largest Orthodox church, St. Michael's Cathedral, after it transitioned to the Orthodox Church ✝️ of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (OCU). Clashes broke out, with gates broken and pepper spray used. pic.twitter.com/xiGVkyJ4o6
— Matteo Cocchi (@MatteoCocchi85) October 20, 2024
Accusations of Violence
Reports indicate that members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) tried to push through the gates of St. Michael’s, allegedly using tear gas against OCU supporters outside. Tensions escalated with the arrival of Metropolitan Feodosiy, a Moscow-affiliated church leader accused of inciting religious discord and anti-Ukrainian activities.
Calls for Dialogu
Father Nazari Zasansky, a military chaplain, denounced the Moscow-affiliated church, calling it a “tool of the Russian security services” and claiming it undermines Ukrainian morale while promoting propaganda. Regional governor Igor Taburets confirmed law enforcement is investigating, stressing the need for public dialogue on the Moscow church’s presence.
Ensuring Control
Father Nazarii emphasized Kyiv’s need to secure St. Michael’s Cathedral, stating that the Russian Orthodox Church misrepresents itself as Ukrainian while failing to support the Ukrainian army. Cherkasy’s mayor, Anatoly Bondarenko, also called for discussions on the Moscow-affiliated church’s future in the area.
The St. Michael’s Cathedral incident highlights the deep-rooted religious and political tensions in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Reports indicate that members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) tried to push through the gates of St. Michael’s, allegedly using tear gas against OCU supporters outside. Tensions escalated with the arrival of Metropolitan Feodosiy, a Moscow-affiliated church leader accused of inciting religious discord and anti-Ukrainian activities.
Calls for Dialogue
Father Nazari Zasansky, a military chaplain, denounced the Moscow-affiliated church, calling it a “tool of the Russian security services” and claiming it undermines Ukrainian morale while promoting propaganda. Regional governor Igor Taburets confirmed law enforcement is investigating, stressing the need for public dialogue on the Moscow church’s presence.
Ensuring Control
Father Nazarii emphasized Kyiv’s need to secure St. Michael’s Cathedral, stating that the Russian Orthodox Church misrepresents itself as Ukrainian while failing to support the Ukrainian army. Cherkasy’s mayor, Anatoly Bondarenko, also called for discussions on the Moscow-affiliated church’s future in the area.
The St. Michael’s Cathedral incident highlights the deep-rooted religious and political tensions in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
