Head of Malankara Church of India supports Metropolitan Theodosiy

The Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church. Photo: mospat

The Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, His Holiness Catholicos Moran Mar Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, strongly criticized the seizure of the St. Michael’s Cathedral of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC, which took place on October 17. He expressed support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and condemned the growing pressure on the canonical Church in Ukraine. This was reported by the Department for External Church Relations of the Russian Orthodox Church.

"With a heavy heart, I write to express our deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the alarming news of the recent raider seizure of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Cherkasy on October 17. The brutal attack, during which armed individuals in camouflage and balaclavas assaulted Metropolitan Theodosiy of Cherkasy and Kaniv, [as well as] priests, and parishioners, is horrifying," the Catholicos stated.

He also emphasized the unacceptability of using violence against the faithful and clergy: "The use of tear gas and physical violence against believers in a sacred place, dedicated to worship and peace, is an insult to both faith and humanity."

Catholicos Baselios Marthoma Mathews III added that the situation in Cherkasy is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. He expressed concern over the aggression and intolerance faced by believers: "Unfortunately, we recognize that this is not an isolated incident but part of a broader and troubling pattern of persecution of Orthodox Christians in Ukraine. Such events, marked by aggression and intolerance, raise deep concern, and we stand in solidarity with all who suffer unjustly for their faith."

The Primate of the Malankara Church also assured the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of his support: "In these difficult times, we assure you of our prayerful support for the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and its faithful. Our hearts and prayers are with Metropolitan Theodosiy, the clergy, and the faithful affected by this violence."

He highlighted that the Malankara Church, like the UOC, faces similar challenges, and he expressed hope for peace and justice: "We are united with you in prayer, asking for Divine intervention, protection, and the restoration of peace and justice for Orthodox believers in Ukraine."

As the UOJ previously reported, representatives of the Ancient Oriental Churches condemned the seizure of the cathedral in Cherkasy.

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