17.10.2024, Cherkassy.
A group of masked individuals opened fire and used pepper spray on parishioners at a church of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Moscow Patriarchate) (UOC MP) in Cherkasy, Ukrainian MP Artyoum Dmitryuk wrote on October 17 on his blog.
Dmitryuk’s report of the attack on the UOC MP church in Cherkasy was accompanied by a video. The footage shows unknown individuals storming into the church, engaging in physical altercations with parishioners, shooting, and spraying gas from canisters.
According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists, around one hundred people in camouflage and masks broke into the territory of the Archangel Michael Cathedral of the UOC MP at approximately 3 a.m. during a night liturgy. The attackers expelled the attendees, confiscated their smartphones to prevent recording, and destroyed surveillance systems. Additionally, the assailants stole money, documents, computers, and icons from the church.
Believers, along with Metropolitan Feodosiy, managed to defend the cathedral overnight, but the attackers attempted another assault in the morning. According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists, the police did not intervene, and the attackers continue to call for support on social media.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
