The UN Human Rights Office reaffirmed that freedom of religion is a fundamental right after a raid on St. Michael’s Cathedral in Cherkasy, Ukraine. Videos show armed men in military-style clothing clashing with worshippers from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC). The attackers reportedly used tear gas, stun grenades, and fired a gas pistol, stealing icons, documents, and $60,000. The UOC blamed “schismatics” from the Kiev-backed Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) for the attack against worshippers.

The UN stressed, "Attacks on civilian believers are prohibited under international human rights and humanitarian norms."

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called on "the relevant international human rights organizations" to investigate, adding, "The Kiev regime is doing everything it can to outlaw and disband the canonical church [UOC]… Zelensky’s Western backers continue to indulge in deepening the religious schism in Ukraine."

They want to kill God!

Look at what is happening in Ukraine!

Zelensky's commissars are seizing the Ukrainian Orthodox Church! Priests and people are being beaten up! Repost! pic.twitter.com/m0JeXXGi2F

— Diana Panchenko 🇺🇦 (@Panchenko_X) October 17, 2024

Metropolitan Theodosius, head of the Cherkasy diocese of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), suffered a concussion and burns during the recent armed raid on St. Michael’s Cathedral in central Ukraine, according to a statement from the diocese.

According to that report, around 100 men in military fatigues attacked the cathedral.

The cathedral’s defenders repelled the first assault but eventually lost control of the church on the second attempt.

The attack left Metropolitan Theodosius with "a concussion, first-degree burns of the cornea of both eyes, and skin burns," and 12 others were hospitalized due to the attack.

Russian church condemns Kiev's ban on Ukraine Orthodox Church

Earlier in August, the Russian Orthodox Church condemned a recent vote by Ukrainian lawmakers to ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).

This comes after MPs in Kiev approved a bill that outlaws religious organizations connected to Russia, including the UOC, which is alleged to be affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church, also known as the Moscow Patriarchate.

In a statement published on Telegram, Russian Orthodox Church spokesman Vladimir Legoida called the vote "an unlawful act" and "the grossest violation of the basic principles of freedom of conscience and human rights."

He warned that the bill, which still requires President Volodymyr Zelensky's signature to become law, lays the groundwork for "the total liquidation of the parishes of the canonical Ukrainian Orthodox Church."

Legoida warned that enforcing this law could lead to "acts of mass violence against millions of believers."

The move comes amid heightened tensions amid Russia's military operation in Ukraine. Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, referenced the challenging times the Church is facing, stating that many have turned against them "not because we are bad but only because we are different."

In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky defended the law, stating that it would strengthen Ukraine's independence, particularly in the context of the ongoing war which has inadvertently led to religious divides as a result of Ukrainian authorities targeting Russian elements.

Read more: Pope Francis condemns Kiev's ban on Ukrainian Orthodox Church