Montenegrin Metropolitan Joanikije supports Cherkasy Metropolitan Theodosiy
"In this difficult time for you, I assure you of my brotherly support and constant prayer for you, your clergy, and your devout flock," the hierarch wrote.
Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral sent a letter to Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv in connection with the seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC in Cherkasy, reports the website of the Cherkasy Eparchy.
"With great pain and compassion, I received the news of the forceful seizure of the Cathedral of the Archangel Michael in Cherkasy by raiders. The Ukrainian schismatics have shown the world, once again, but especially clearly this time, through their violence and hatred directed at this holy place, that they are people who do not possess even the basic understanding of the Christian faith and are not its bearers, since they are willing to commit such a crime and deprive their brothers of a house of prayer," the bishop wrote.
Metropolitan Joanikije assured Metropolitan Theodosiy of his prayerful support and expressed hope that the cathedral would once again become a place of prayer for the faithful.
"In such a plight, dear Vladyka, you, together with your clergy and flock, have shown the world an example of true sacrifice and Christian readiness to fight for the freedom of faith and conscience. In this challenging time for you, I assure you of my brotherly support and constant prayer for you, your clergy, and your devout flock. We believe and pray that the Lord will hear your prayers and that soon you will again celebrate the Divine Eucharist in your Cathedral," the letter reads.
As previously reported by UOJ, a video of the beating of Metropolitan Theodosiy by supporters of the OCU was posted online.
