Over 100 Serbian scientists and cultural figures speak up for UOC

St Sava’s Church in the Serbian capital. Photo: lifeglobe.net

109 Serbian scientists and cultural figures have signed an appeal to the authorities of Ukraine, European institutions, and the global community, calling for an end to the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The document was published by the Serbian resource pouke.org.

" We, representatives of the academic community, as well as cultural leaders of the Republic of Serbia and Serbian countries, express our deep concern about the gross violation of basic human rights in Ukraine," the appeal says. " First of all, it is a flagrant violation of constitutional norms and laws that guarantee freedom of religion. What is happening now to priests and believers of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church cannot be called anything other than state terror."

The authors of the appeal provide data according to which, to date, over 75 priests of the UOC and hundreds of parishioners have been subjected to various forms of repression.

"If we don't count isolated cases of arson of church properties, in 2022 alone, with the overt support of the authorities, 250 churches of the canonical Church were seized. This trend has not only continued but intensified this year. Those who support the so-called OCU, which is not recognized by 11 out of the 15 Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, are taking over churches in the Khmelnytskyi, Chernivtsi, Kyiv, and other regions of Ukraine. Priests and believers of the UOC are subjected to various forms of persecution. They are not only intimidated but also beaten, tortured, maimed, and exposed to tear gas. Supporters of the 'OCU,' often with the assistance of state structures, do not hesitate to use physical violence even against UOC bishops. Moreover, some bishops have been arrested or subjected to sanctions based on grossly fabricated reasons," note the representatives of the Serbian intelligentsia.

They are convinced that "these and other data indicate a well-planned and deliberate destruction of entire eparchies of the UOC".

The signatories of the appeal point out that all branches and levels of power are involved in the persecution of the UOC: "Across Ukraine, regional and city councils are making decisions to ban the functioning of the UOC in their regions. Bills to ban the Church have been registered in the Ukrainian Parliament, and on May 15, 2023, a court decision opened the possibility of depriving the UOC of its official name and transferring its property to other denominations. The Ukrainian state not only did not return to the UOC the property illegally confiscated during the Soviet period but today also deprives it of the right to use the land on which its churches are located."

The authors express bewilderment that many people in Ukraine and Western countries not only remain indifferent but also agree with the "outrageous persecution of UOC believers".

"While various rights are propagated in the modern world, many people close their eyes to the pain, tears and blood of millions of Ukrainians, who just want to preserve the faith of their ancestors. A faith that has nothing to do with the ongoing war and political problems between Ukraine and Russia," the document states.

"Since it is our moral obligation as intellectuals to raise our voice against injustice, against the violation of human rights and violation of human dignity, we call on the authorities of Ukraine to immediately stop the persecution of Orthodox believers and the violent takeover of UOC temples. We also request that the official Kyiv ensure the strict observance of current Ukrainian legislation and international law regarding freedom of conscience and religion," write the Serbian scientists and cultural figures.

They also called on European institutions and human rights organizations, as well as the international community, to "actively protect not only the religious but also the basic human rights of UPC members".

"We urge them, first and foremost, to send their observers to critical points where persecution is already taking place and help in quickly taking measures aimed at ending the persecution and administrative pressure on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, its priests and parishioners. The preservation of the jurisdiction of the UOC over the Holy Dormition Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and the Holy Dormition Pochaiv Lavra, which are great shrines for the entire Orthodox world, is of paramount importance," the statement emphasizes.

Among its signatories are world-renowned film director Emir Kusturica, five academics, and nearly 50 professors. Some of them hold sacred orders.

The appeal is open for further signing, not only in Serbia but also in neighbouring countries. In particular, it was published on the official website of the Montenegrin-Littoral Metropolis of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

As reported, the Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria made an appeal in support of the UOC.

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