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Ukrainian bishop hospitalised after suspected heavy-metal poisoning

Metropolitan Theodosius of Cherkasy and Kanev, a senior Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) bishop already under investigation for treason, has been hospitalised in critical condition following what church sources allege is a poisoning.

The Union of Orthodox Journalists reported that medical teams believe he may have been exposed to heavy metals, with doctors conducting extensive toxicology tests to identify the substance involved.

According to the Cherkasy Diocese, the metropolitan began showing unexplained symptoms more than a month ago, including sudden spikes and drops in blood pressure and recurring fevers that did not match his known medical history.

His condition deteriorated sharply this week, prompting his physician to order his immediate hospitalization. A hospital source, speaking anonymously, said he remains severely intoxicated but in stable condition, with toxicology results expected to take up to a month.

Metropolitan Theodosius has been the subject of multiple legal actions since 2023, including periods of house arrest and electronic monitoring. Authorities have charged him with inciting religious hatred, and courts have repeatedly extended restrictions on his movement.

His case unfolds amid widespread state pressure on the UOC, which is canonically aligned with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Since 2022, Ukrainian authorities have imposed sanctions on clergy, conducted searches of church properties, initiated criminal cases, and banned UOC activities in several regions, marking the most extensive crackdown on the denomination in the country’s modern history.

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