The rector of Archangel Michael Church, belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church - Moscow Patriarchate, was attacked and beaten by an unknown assailant, in the Cherkassky region of Ukraine, reports TASS.
Three of the attackers called themselves priests of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church (UAOC). The victim was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Doctors diagnosed him with a concussion, and numerous injuries.
Representatives of Ukrainian Orthodox Church believe that the reason for the attack was the desire to capture the temple and the land on which it is built. Attackers deliberately provoked a fight, after which an attempt to tarnish the priest on the Internet was made. The community demanded the authorities to do everything possible to ensure the safety of people from tyranny, threats and provocations by members of the so-called Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The same request was sent to the Ukrainian president.
A reminder: cases like this often take place in Ukraine. This includes not only an attack on clergymen, but also burning churches, and illegal seizures. Over the past year in the Ukraine, Ukrainian Orthodox Churches have been attacked thirteen times. Law enforcement agencies have not found a guilty party in any of these crimes.
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