Vatican criticizes the actions of Ukrainian authorities to destroy the UOC

Archbishop of the RCC Claudio Gugerotti. Photo: kellogg.ox.ac.uk

On September 29, 2023, Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti, the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches of the Roman Catholic Church, criticized the actions of Ukrainian authorities regarding the destruction of the UOC. He made this statement to a TASS correspondent on the eve of his elevation to cardinal.

According to Archbishop Gugerotti, authorities can only legislatively condemn individual members of the UOC who have committed specific crimes. He also emphasized that the entire Church cannot be destroyed due to the "political crimes" of its representatives.

"It is illegitimate to consider the entire Church a reality subject to destruction just because it allegedly had a more or less shared past with those who are now considered enemies," the Vatican representative was quoted as saying.

Regarding the criminal prosecution of Metropolitan Pavel, the deputy of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Prefect mentioned that the hierarch had worked extensively on the restoration of the monastery.

As reported by the UOJ, the Pope assured the Ukrainian Greek Catholics that he stands "with the Ukrainian people" in the conflict.

Read also

UOC bishops initiate correspondence discussion around Filaret's personality

Metropolitan Luke accused Bishop Sylvester of "legitimizing the schism," and the latter responded by reminding him of the decisions of the Council in Feofania.

In Volyn, "competent bodies" to deal with UOC Sunday schools, media

A deputy of the Volyn Regional Council initiated a request for inspections of all institutions engaged in Orthodox education of children in the region.

UEFA fines French club for banner with RCC saint

The Union of European Football Associations has imposed another fine for the use of Christian symbols by fans.

Evangelist Graham explains to Trump how he can definitely get to Heaven

The preacher called on the president to stop relying on his achievements and pointed out that good deeds do not save from hell without faith and repentance.

Planning for the Holy Fire Ceremony and Holy Week Services revealed

Authorities have imposed restrictions on the participation of clergy and believers in Holy Week services at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Patriarch Daniel sends solidarity message to Primate of Antioch

The head of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church expressed support for John X in connection with the ongoing violence in Syria and Lebanon.