Cherkasy mayor admits seized UOC cathedral is private property

Mayor of Cherkasy Bondarenko. Photo: Facebook video screenshot

Mayor Anatoliy Bondarenko stated in his video address that St. Michael's Cathedral will belong to the community of Cherkasy and will be transferred to communal ownership.

"I have instructed to begin the documentation process so that the cathedral and all buildings there will be owned by the community. These structures will be in communal ownership," he said, commenting on the situation regarding the raided cathedral of the Cherkasy Eparchy of the UOC.

The official's words effectively mean that he acknowledged that at the time of the seizure, the Orthodox shrine was private property. According to him, there are allegedly some structures on the cathedral's grounds that once belonged to the city. However, his statement confirmed that the church itself was built and owned by UOC believers.

As reported by the UOJ, the Cherkasy mayor was elected as the head of the parish council of the seized UOC cathedral.

Read also

Abp. Elpidophoros Approves "Food-sensitive" Eucharist

When Accessibility Crosses the Line: A Call for Faithful Integrity in Liturgical Practice

Kenyan Orthodox Priest Targeted, Guard Severely Wounded in Machete Attack

"We must not repay violence with violence." —Fr. Antipas

Procession of the Icon of the Theotokos at the Holy Monastery of Iveron on Mount Atho

Monks and pilgrims accompanied the Iveron Icon in a solemn procession around the Monastery and along the shore on Bright Tuesday.

The Mystery of Christian Love - Eulogy for the Funeral of Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon

In his eulogy, Igumen Gabriel, Abbot-elect of Holy Cross, spoke of Fr. Panteleimon’s legacy and spiritual testament.

Trump and Zelensky Meet Before Pope Francis' Funeral in the Vatican

The meeting lasted about 15 minutes and focused on achieving peace in Ukraine.

In Wales, Muslim Teenagers Set Fire to Christian Church

The two teenagers, recent arrivals from Pakistan, were arrested on suspicion of arson.