UOC Synod: Criminal cases against hierarchs are questionable

A meeting of the Holy Synod of the UOC. Photo: news.church.ua

The Holy Synod of the UOC stated that in 2023, there has been an escalation of criminal persecution against hierarchs, clergy and believers of the UOC, said Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary in an address published by the UOC press service on YouTube.

The UOC Chancellor explained that legal proceedings against Metropolitans Jonathan of Tulchyn, Pavel of Vyshhorod, Feodosiy of Cherkasy and Longin of Bancheny caused a great resonance both in the Ukrainian and global communities.

The Holy Synod also noted that the grounds for bringing UOC hierarchs to criminal responsibility and the evidence justifying their accusations are questionable.

"Despite all the complexities of the war, the persecution of hierarchs, clergy, and believers of our Church, the UOC continues steadfastly to fulfil its salvific mission, not deviating from doctrinal truths and church canons, providing spiritual support to all in need, directing its efforts to provide social and humanitarian assistance to those affected by the war and the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," added Metropolitan Anthony.

As reported, the Synod of the UOC published data on perished priests and destroyed churches.

Read also

U.S. political analyst: Bishop Budde is a 'tool of Satan'

Political analyst Mark Steyn blasted Episcopal Bishop Budde’s stance on families with gay, lesbian, and transgender children.

Archbishop Anastasios of Albania laid to rest in Tirana

The Primate of the Albanian Church was laid to rest in the crypt beneath the Resurrection Cathedral.

UOJ opens its branch in Albania

The new European organization Union of Orthodox Journalists has opened a branch in Albania.

In Bukovyna, UOC believers appeal to Vance on the eve of OCU’s church raid

The parish also invited a UN monitoring group and an OSCE human rights officer.

Abducted by military commissars, archimandrite reveals TRC detention details

The abbot of the monastery in Babai described the conditions in which clergymen are held in the military recruitment center.

Council of Churches in London discusses religion in Ukraine with British MPs

The meeting addressed religious freedom in Ukraine and the challenges faced by various denominations during the war.