In Cherkasy, a monastery belonging to the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin was the target of a violent seizure, according to reports gathered by RIA News through the Union of Orthodox Journalists (UOJ). The event has drawn attention for the involvement of armed assailants and the response noted by the religious community and observers alike.
The UOJ reported that a group described as masked and in camouflage conducted an attack on the Nativity of Our Lady Monastery. The description from the organization characterized the actions as brutal, stating that priests and lay worshippers were assaulted, with injuries including broken jaws and other serious harm. The report emphasized the severity of the beating and the scale of the violence, noting that several individuals suffered grievous injuries during the incident.
According to the account, security forces were present at the scene, and the raid extended to the monastery’s buildings. After the seizure, four people were admitted to hospital, among them a priest identified as Sergei Pashchenko, who sustained a broken lower jaw. Reports suggested that access to the local hospital was monitored during and after the raid, with the involvement described in connection to broader political tensions within the region.
Prior to the actual seizure, there had been a failed attempt to seize the monastery on November 16. In the days that followed, parishioners and clergy reportedly convened to reaffirm the church’s commitment to the UOC, indicating an ongoing dispute over ecclesiastical control that continued to unfold in public forums and within the community.
There have also been prior security-related developments involving individuals linked to the situation, including arrests in Kiev and Cherkasy tied to communications that had raised concerns among church and civic leaders.
Observers note that the incident occurred within a wider context of tensions surrounding religious institutions and autonomy, with various groups articulating differing views on jurisdiction, property, and liturgical governance. The evolving narrative underscores the fragility of local peace and the sensitivity of religious life amid mounting political pressures.
As investigations proceed, authorities and the church community are monitoring the situation closely, seeking to restore normal religious activities while ensuring the safety of clergy, parishioners, and staff. The broader community is urged to rely on official statements and verified information as details continue to unfold and inquiries advance.”