Belarusian Orthodox Church speaks out against Phanar’s actions in Ukraine
Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church
The Holy Synod of the Belarusian Orthodox Church expressed protest against Constantinople’s actions in Ukraine in its official statement of September 8, 2018, published on the BOC’s website.
The bishops of the Belarusian Church see the recent appointment by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of two exarchs in Kiev as "the aggressive interference of one local Church in the internal affairs of another Local Church, aimed at disrupting the foundations of inter-Orthodox peace and unity".
In this regard, the Synod of the BPC expresses full support for His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine—the canonical primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church—the archpastors, clergy, pious laity, and children of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The Synod calls on the clergy and flock of the Belarusian Exarchate to lift up special prayers to the Lord for the speedy healing and overcoming of the current situation, and for the admonition and repentance of those who provoke Church disorder and schisms, and for the welfare of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and the establishment of peace in the Ukrainian land.
Earlier, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople has appointed Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon (the U.S) and Bishop Hilarion of Edmonton (Canada) as its exarchs in Kiev "within the framework of the preparations for the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church in Ukraine". The ROC stated that Phanar’s actions would cause a resolute response.
Read also
Met. Varsonofiy сelebrates Liturgy at persecuted UOC parish in Stryzhavka
A UOC hierarch officiated the Nativity service and offered prayers for peace in Ukraine.
Seized Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr transferred from UOC to OCU control
Huz stated that after being handed to the OCU, the Dormition Cathedral in Volodymyr will be “Ukrainian and alive”.
In Brussels, Cardinal Parolin urges Europe to remember its Christian roots
The Vatican Secretary of State spoke at the Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula on the occasion of its eight-hundredth anniversary and recalled Europe’s spiritual mission.
388 mln Christians face persecution and discrimination over faith – report
The organization Portes Ouvertes has published research findings concluding that pressure on believers worldwide has intensified.
Archbishop of Albania: Orthodoxy is a key pillar of Albania’s European path
During a visit to Brussels, the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church underscored the importance of Orthodoxy for the country’s integration into the EU and for maintaining interreligious balance in society.
His Beatitude leads divine service at Lavra on Circumcision of the Lord feast
During the festive service at the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, special prayers were offered for peace on the Ukrainian land and for God’s blessing upon the new year.