Supporters of the Moscow Patriarchate attempted to storm St. Michael’s Cathedral in Kyiv after the church was transferred to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), leading to chaotic clashes with pro-Ukrainian Christians.
Chaos and Confrontation
The situation at St. Michael’s Cathedral turned violent as pro-Ukrainian supporters confronted those aligned with the Moscow Patriarchate. The confrontation lasted over six hours, resulting in physical altercations involving sticks, stones, and chairs, as reported by The US Sun. Several individuals sustained injuries during the clashes and required medical attention.
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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
Allegations of Violence
Reports indicate that members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) attempted to force their way through the entrance gates of St. Michael’s Cathedral, allegedly deploying tear gas against OCU supporters gathered outside. The chaos intensified with the arrival of Metropolitan Feodosiy, a leader of the Moscow-affiliated church, who faces accusations of inciting inter-religious conflict and engaging in subversive activities against Ukraine.
Calls for Dialogue
Father Nazari Zasansky, a military chaplain, criticized the Moscow-aligned church, labeling it a “tool of the Russian security services” and accusing it of undermining Ukrainian morale while promoting propaganda. Regional governor Igor Taburets announced that law enforcement is investigating the incident, emphasizing the need for public dialogue regarding the Moscow church’s presence in the city.
Need for Control
Father Nazarii highlighted the necessity for Kyiv to secure control over St. Michael’s Cathedral, arguing that the Russian Orthodox Church misrepresents itself as a Ukrainian entity while failing to support the Ukrainian army. Cherkasy’s mayor, Anatoly Bondarenko, also called for discussions on the future of the Moscow-affiliated church in the region.
The incident at St. Michael’s Cathedral underscores the ongoing religious and political tensions in Ukraine amid the broader conflict with Russia.