Jerusalem hierarch: Acts of violence by OCU are abominable to the world
Metropolitan Timothy (Margaritis) of Vostra. Photo: Romfea
Acts of violence and intolerance cause disgust and condemnation throughout the world, and it is even more shameful when members of the so-called OCU commit such acts. The hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church, Exarch of the Holy Sepulcher in Cyprus, Metropolitan Timothy (Margaritis) of Vostra said this after watching the film "Faithful: Hymn of Love", which tells about the fate of believers in the villages of Butyn and Kinakhivtsy.
“It is with sorrow that I have watched a documentary the other day about the persecution of priests and believers in Ukraine belonging to the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, about which I also have my own vision,” the hierarch said in a commentary published by the MP DECR on Sunday, March 14. "It is dreadful to imagine that people who claim to be Orthodox are so engulfed in hate that using violence they seize churches, break down doors, persecute their compatriots spiritually and physically, persecute them and divide the Church."
The Metropolitan noted that acts of violence and intolerance, from whatever side, cause disgust and condemnation with the entire world.
“This only proves that those involved in these actions are far from the Christian spirit and doctrine, which is characterized by love and mercy even towards enemies. It is even more shameful when this is done by members of the so-called OCU or on its behalf and with the participation of local authorities despite the fact that these actions are criminal, inciting hatred with the believers of the same Ukrainian nation,” he stressed.
In fact, Metropolitan Timothy added, such actions "serve the interests of the enemies of the Orthodox Church, deepen the schism, destroy bridges to reconciliation and spiritual development of Orthodox believers in Ukraine, where the UOC carries out its saving mission under the spiritual leadership of Metropolitan Onuphry, who is recognized by most Orthodox Churches."
“Every truly believing person undoubtedly condemns such actions that are alien to the Christian spirit,” summed up the hierarch of the Jerusalem Orthodox Church.
Let us remind you that earlier Metropolitan Timothy of Vostra stressed that the entire Christian world loves and respects the Primate of the UOC, His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry.
Read also
Shevchuk tells Budanov of UGCC’s “state-building role”
The head of the Uniates told the head of the Presidential Office that his Church was ready to partner with the state and presented him with a book on the work of special services in the Church.
Authorities decline to disclose Ukraine’s population size
The State Statistics Service acknowledged that it has up-to-date population estimates for the country, but has decided not to make them public.
Lithuanian govt vows to protect Orthodox Church from Russian intelligence
Lithuania’s Foreign Ministry has called for curbing the influence of Russian intelligence services on the Church, while an adviser to President Nausėda warned against labeling the entire structure a security threat.
During Ramadan, Patriarch Theodoros hosts Islamic iftar at his residence
Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria hosted a meal for Muslim workers breaking their fast in the courtyard of the Patriarchate and thanked a sheikh for his “brotherhood.”
Lawsuit filed against Patriarch of Constantinople
A Turkish official has accused Patriarch Bartholomew and dozens of clergy of “illegal activity” and violating the Treaty of Lausanne.
OCU cleric buried with Church Slavonic funeral shroud
In the Ternopil Eparchy of the OCU, a cleric was buried under a funeral shroud bearing inscriptions in Church Slavonic.