Metropolitan Theodosiy in court: Case against me is politically motivated
A hierarch of the UOC stated during court debates that the criminal prosecution is connected to his defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv delivered a closing statement in court regarding the criminal case against him, which is being heard in Cherkasy. The hierarch emphasized that the charges against him have a "political component". This was reported by the press service of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
In his speech, the bishop noted that the criminal proceedings under consideration "concern the freedom of conscience, speech, and religious affiliation of Ukrainian citizens."
According to the bishop, the charges under Article 161 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine contain neither the elements of a crime nor sufficient evidence. He stated that the case is politically motivated and is actually directed not against him as a citizen but against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The metropolitan stated that the entire process is connected to his outspoken position in defense of the clergy and the faithful. He also recalled that he "will continue to defend nuns, priests, and laypeople who have suffered during the seizures of churches and monasteries”.
"If I have to go to prison for the truth and for defending believers, I will consider it an honor," said Metropolitan Theodosiy.
The bishop drew attention to the fact that in May 2025, seven UN Special Rapporteurs sent an official communication to the Ukrainian government, in which Cherkasy was named as one of the most problematic regions in terms of respecting religious rights.
According to the metropolitan, the document specifically mentions his name, and the case itself is linked to the public defense of the canonical independence of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the refusal to recognize the state-supported OCU.
"Any conviction in this case will inevitably become a matter for consideration in the European Court of Human Rights," stated Metropolitan Theodosiy.
As the UOJ reported, a parishioner detailed the attack during the seizure of the Cherkasy monastery. At that time, the church and monastery were forcibly occupied by OCU representatives, resulting in injuries to monks and parishioners.
