UOC metropolitan: I will defend the truth in court – the Church of Christ
Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch. Photo: pravlife.org
Metropolitan Vissarion of Ovruch appealed to the faithful and clergy of the UOC because of the transfer to the court of his case on "inciting ethnic and religious hatred." In an appeal published on the website of the diocese, the bishop said that at the trial he would have the opportunity to defend the truth – the Church of Christ.
He noted that he had taken an oath in which he pledged to spread the teachings of Christ while safeguarding the faithful from heresies and schisms. According to him, those who have departed from the legitimate Church of Christ and independently created their religious organizations are the ones who have caused schisms.
Metropolitan Vissarion also explained that missionary work is his duty, which is permitted by the Constitution of Ukraine.
"For over 30 years, I have been a clergyman in the Church of Christ (UOC), received gratitude from the clergy and many believers... I am glad that I am defended by the canons of the Holy Orthodox Church, the holy fathers, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem... I request prayers and blessings from the saints of our Holy Church," he added.
As reported by the UOJ, law enforcement authorities brought cases against Metropolitan Vissarion and two UOC priests to court.
Read also
In Lviv region, drunk OCU cleric causes triple fatal car accident
Roman Hladkyi was involved in a fatal road accident in the village of Bartativ, Lviv region.
EU officials discuss UOC persecution with experts in Brussels
Two expert–level discussions on the state of religious freedom in Ukraine were held in the EU.
WHO urges securing equal access to IVF for same-sex couples
WHO’s new recommendations substantially broaden the concept of infertility and open the door to widespread use of assisted reproduction, including for same-sex couples and transgender individuals.
In Kniazhychi, brotherhood defends their monastery from seizure
Parishioners and the brotherhood of the UOC Transfiguration Monastery in Kniazhychi succeeded in defending their sacred site from the attempts of security forces and raiders.
UOC Primate congratulates Met. Arseniy on 20 years of episcopal ordination
The Primate of the UOC sent greetings to Metropolitan Arseniy on the anniversary of his personal Pentecost.
UGCC urges faithful to be ready to lay down their lives for Ukraine
The UGCC hierarchs have published a letter to the faithful urging them to cleanse the country of Soviet methods of governance, military organization, and economic management.