Parishioners of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Moscow Patriarchate (UPC-MP) took over Mikhailovsky Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in Cherkasy, with most of it transferred to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, UNIAN reported on October 17.
According to information, 18,000 supporters of the Moscow church entered the temple grounds, breaking down the main gate and firing tear gas. At about 9 a.m., UOC parishioners occupied the cathedral.
Additionally, in a video distributed on social networking services (SNS), it was seen that some people inside the temple began using pew frames against disguised believers and pushed them out of the church.
Afterwards, it was reported that the police arrived at the temple. Law enforcement officials reported that they were ensuring public order, documenting violations, and identifying all participants in the incident.
Attack on Cherkasy Cathedral
Cherkasy priest Vladimir Ridney wrote on Facebook that St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, long under the control of the Moscow Patriarchate, is being transferred to the OCU.
He added that from now on the temple will always be open to soldiers as it has already become a garrison temple.
“Also, on the territory of the temple a national center for patriotic education, a Sunday school and a training center for priests will be established… All parishioners who were and remain in the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) are invited to pray at the Garrison Church of Ukraine,” Ridney said.
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