"It was with great pain and compassion that I received the news of the violent seizure by raiders of the cathedral in honor of Archangel Michael in Cherkasy," says the letter sent by Metropolitan Ioanniky of Montenegro and Primorye (Serbian Patriarchate) to Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanevsky. The text of the message was published by the Telegram channel of the Cherkasy Diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The Archangel Michael Cathedral was captured on October 17, 2024 by the "PCU" raiders during a forceful assault, during which the Orthodox residents of Cherkassy, led by Metropolitan Theodosius, who gathered to defend their shrine, received serious injuries.
Metropolitan Ioanniky stressed: "Ukrainian schismatics have repeatedly, but this time especially vividly and clearly, shown the whole world through the violence and hatred with which they turned against this shrine that we are talking about people who do not know the basic concepts of the faith of Christ and are not its bearers, since they are ready to commit such a crime and deprive his brothers of the house of worship."
"In such a difficult situation, dear Vladyka, together with the clergy and flock, you have set an example of genuine sacrifice and readiness to fight for freedom of faith and conscience in a Christian way," said the hierarch of the Serbian Church, assuring Metropolitan Theodosius of fraternal support and tireless prayer during this difficult time.
"We believe and pray that the Lord will hear your prayers and that again, soon, you will celebrate the Divine Eucharist in your cathedral," the letter says.