Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Kanev insists that the accusations brought against him by the SSU and the prosecutor’s office are unfounded, and he hopes that the court will recognize this.

“I consider the accusations against me groundless, far-fetched,” the metropolitan said. – We will prove it in court with the defenders. I hope for the fairness and honesty of our court, and that we will definitely prove my complete innocence on the charges brought by the SSU and the prosecutor’s office. I don’t consider myself guilty, I didn’t commit any crimes,” the metropolitan said.

The bishop pointed out that there was no need to keep him under round-the-clock arrest, since he would not hide from justice.

“Of course, I will not hide – my social obligations are much higher than those of those who accuse me. I head one of the key dioceses of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, and my social attachments are not in material values, as some people think (because the world likes to tie everything to material values). My duties – social, pastoral, hierarchical, spiritual, canonical – are exactly here, in the country where I was born, grew up, where is my Orthodox flock, for which I am responsible, ”explained the archpastor.

He also noted that round-the-clock house arrest does not allow him to fully manage a large diocese, which includes about 300 parishes, a dozen monasteries, more than 200 clergy and 300 monks and nuns. In addition, due to the ban on leaving the place of residence, the bishop cannot fulfill his duties as a teacher at the Kyiv Theological Academy – to give lectures, conduct tests and exams.