Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral expressed his solidarity with Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kaniv after the violent seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) in Cherkasy. The letter, which was reported by the Cherkasy Diocese, condemns the attack on the church and expresses deep sorrow over the event.

In his message, Metropolitan Joanikije described the takeover as a "blatant act of violence" that contradicts the core principles of the Christian faith. "With great pain and sympathy, I received the news of the violent seizure of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in Cherkasy by raiders. The Ukrainian schismatics have repeatedly, but now more clearly than ever, shown through violence and hatred towards this sacred place that they lack the basic understanding of the Christian faith and are not its bearers, as they are willing to commit such a crime and deprive their brothers of a place of prayer," he wrote.

Metropolitan Joanikije assured Metropolitan Theodosius of his fraternal support and prayers for his clergy and congregation, expressing hope that the cathedral would soon be restored as a place of worship for the faithful.

The cathedral was seized on October 17 when supporters of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) stormed the grounds, attacking believers and using tear gas. Metropolitan Theodosius was struck on the head, resulting in a concussion, while more than ten parishioners were hospitalized due to the clashes.