US Com. for Religious Freedom condemns persecution of Montenegrin believers
A many-thousand cross procession in defence of the Church in the capital of Montenegro. Photo: mitropolija.com
On June 26, 2020, members of the U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedom Rev. Johnnie Moore and Nury Turkel published an article entitled "Jews, Muslims and Christians Are All Persecuted in Europe. It Must Stop Now", which condemned the persecution of believers in Montenegro. The article was published on the “Newsweek” portal.
"In Montenegro, it's the Christians who are under attack. Since December, there have been ongoing protests following the passage of a law on religion that many believe will allow the government to confiscate religious properties. The Serbian Orthodox Church rightfully fears that the law is a pretext to seize its property. These concerns have led to large and sustained protests across the country. With restrictions on religious gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbating tensions, these protests have led to clashes and the repeated detention of some of the country's most well-known Orthodox leaders—including the interrogation this week of Metropolitan Amfilohije of Montenegro (the second time the archbishop has been interrogated this year)," human rights activists write.
As reported, earlier the Parliament of the Republika Srpska spoke out for the SOC's rights in Montenegro.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.