Metropolitan Theodosiy calls to pray for Orthodox journalists
"We offer our heartfelt prayers that the Lord will strengthen those in the detention center, keep them in faith and piety, and grant them freedom as soon as possible."
On March 14, 2024, after the court session, Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv asked believers to pray for Orthodox journalists who have been persecuted by the authorities. This was reported in the Telegram channel of the Cherkasy Diocese.
On this day, the prosecution requested that the bishop be placed in custody as a preventive measure. The court placed the hierarch under house arrest for the night. The Metropolitan, thanking for the prayers, addressed the faithful.
"I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to pray fervently today and in the near future for Orthodox journalists. You know, the Union of Orthodox Journalists is currently under attack as well. Criminal cases have been initiated, and some journalists have been placed in pre-trial detention. Let us also pray earnestly for them, from the depths of our hearts, so that the Lord may protect and help them," he said.
The hierarch of Cherkasy emphasized that one may disagree with the position of certain journalists, but this "should not affect freedom of speech in our country."
In his opinion, "articles of the Criminal Code on treason, state betrayal, which carry life imprisonment, should not be applied to journalists, including Orthodox ones."
"And perhaps most importantly: from the bottom of our hearts, from the depths of our hearts, we pray that the Lord strengthens those who have ended up in pre-trial detention, preserves them there in faith and piety, and grants them freedom as soon as possible," Metropolitan Theodosiy called on the faithful.
As reported by the UOJ, on March 12, 2024, employees of the Security Service of Ukraine conducted mass searches in the workplaces and residential premises of Ukrainian journalists and human rights activists. Five journalists and human rights activists were arrested and placed in pre-trial detention.
