Metropolitan Feodosiy of Cherkasy appealed to the flock and clergy about a new wave of persecution of the UOC. In his address, Bishop stated that “the fact that the Verkhovna Rada did not pass a law (on banning the UOC) is just a delay. Most likely, it will be adopted.”

The Metropolitan spoke about some practical actions that priests should take in order to defend themselves and protect their flock.

“Know that they can come with searches. Especially if you refuse to sign an appeal (on holding a council of the UOC). Therefore, keep documents for churches, documents for land plots, parish documentation somewhere far away,” the bishop said.

The archpastor also urged the clergy to be vigilant with their antimensions.

“At any moment, if there is a danger of seizing the temple, take the antimins. There are now more than 300 of them, consecrated and signed by me in the Cherkasy diocese. The other day I consecrated a certain number of antimensions, which will be distributed not only to the rectors of the temples, but also to the second, third priests in if our Church is driven underground,” the hierarch addressed the priests.

The bishop emphasized that “it is better to be underground, but in the real Church, than in the temple, but in a schism or an illegitimate structure.” He also expressed confidence that such persecution would end and “then the Lord will reward everyone according to his faith, according to his courage, according to his hope, which is now manifested among believers and, especially, the clergy.”