Cypriot hierarch: Terrible lawlessness is being committed against the UOC

Metropolitan Neophytos. Photo: UOJ

The ruling hierarch of the Morphou Metropolis of the Cypriot Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Neophytos, stated in a comment to TASS that the authorities of Ukraine are committing lawlessness against the UOC.

"I have a consistent position regarding the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. For me, there is only one archbishop (Primate - Ed.) – Metropolitan Onuphry of Kyiv, whom we respect as an ascetic person," the hierarch said.

He emphasized that at a time when there is special lawlessness against the Church, "Christ sends to each Local Orthodox Church, undergoing severe trials, a virtuous and obedient archbishop, Onuphry being such a person."

Metropolitan Neophytos called the actions of the head of the OCU, Serhiy Dumenko, "a very great injustice, which will soon manifest itself in all parts of the land."

He also commented on why the episcopate of some Churches remains silent about what is happening around the UOC. "Not always decisions of synods, primates, and hierarchs are made according to church criteria: many hierarchs are guided by political, rather than spiritual considerations," he said.

Earlier, the OCU wrote that, according to Metropolitan Neophytos, the current persecutions are necessary for new saints to shine in the UOC.

Read also

Head of Polish Church congratulates UOC Primate on enthronement anniversary

Metropolitan Sawa wished His Beatitude strength and God's blessing in his Archpastoral labors for the benefit of the Holy Church and the Ukrainian Church.

Serbian Patriarch congratulates UOC Primate on 11th anniversary of enthronement

Patriarch Porfirije prayerfully wished that under the care of His Beatitude Onuphry, the Holy Church continues to grow in love, unity, and the truth of Christ.